Chinua Achebe:Finding self in Okonkwo's story.

The story centers around a man named Okonkwo,he is a proud Igbo farmer,who lives in Umuofia,Nigeria.So as not to be like his father who was lazy and in lots of debt he strives and works hard everyday.
His(Okonkwo) hardworks paved way for him as he earned respect and wealth with his farm

Okonkwo's family consists of three wives and several children,his wives are Nneka, Ekwefi, and Ojiugo.He has a daughter who can be tagged as his favorite daughter(Ezinma)but she suffers from recurring illnesses.And also Nwoke his favorite son of which they are not always on good terms as he always struggles to meet his father's expectations, but his rfather(Okonkwo)being an hot temper man and a very strict person makes everything often lead to fights and conflivts.

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British colonialism came,christian missionaries disrupt Umuofia's traditions.Okonkwo's stands against these and resisting to these changes as he was fearing the loss of his cultural identity.,long last the christians build a church and some villagers convert to Christianity including his very very own favorite son

Okonkwo's world changes when he accidentally kills a young man from another village during a ceremony,he was exiled for some years,and when he returns,his village(umuofia) has transformed.The British have established a colonial administration, and many Igbo customs are eroding.

After his comeback,there was one of their several meetings consisting of elders,during this meeting of elders,he(okonkwo)again kills a court messenger who tries to stop the meeting.
Seeing what he has done snd reealizing the consequences of his actions,Okonkwo takes his own life.

The novel ends with Okonkwo's friend reflecting on the destruction of their culture.

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Reading "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe was a impactful personal experience that touched and moved me deeply.As I looked into the world of Okonkwo and his struggles,I found myself reflecting on a whole lots of things
Okonkwo's story,the way he resisted change,though flawed and with mistakes make me realize the importance of honoring one's culture,history and roots while at the same time adapting to evolution.

The writer (Achebe)portrayal of Igbo culture and traditions csught me,sparking or igniting a firing desire to learn more about my own root,history and culture and the significance of preserving our stories,customs and all.

On a personal level,Okonkwo's complex relationships with his family members,his struggles to connect with his son,I saw it as a search for identity on his sons part beyond what his father wants him to be"this is what I want and this is what I am going to do".

Okonkwo's inability to express his weaknesses,love and all left me pondering and thinking of the societal pressures,family pressure,and all that tends to shape our emotions as men.

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Indeed Chinua Achebe is a great writer, much respect to him.
Achebe's professional writing and storytelling on "things fall apart" also made me see and face the harsh and bitter realities of colonialism and its lasting impact on the Africa societies.He(Chinua Achebe)has a lot of impactful and interesting stories to himself/to his name.

Reference: Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe.

Thanks for taking your time to read through.

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