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Conservatism In Things Fall Apart

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Things fall apart is an entertaining novel that deals with important issues that are relevant to today’s society. It covers a wide range of issues including feminism, extremism, lack of empathy, arrogance, importance of culture, and conservatism. It was authored by Chinua Achebe in 1959. The protagonist is Okonkwo who has several wives and many children in the village of Umuofia. The character suffers from several faults which ultimately lead to his fate. Culture is greatly emphasized in the story through the language, symbolism, religion, and ceremonial gatherings. Things fall apart is a satirical writing that sheds light on feminism, extremism, colonialism to warn the readers of its ill consequences.
Okonkwo is an important member of the clan because of his wealth and his performance as a warrior. He has put in hard work and dedication to reach his high level of status. This is essential to the story as the author says“"Looking at a …show more content…
People would prepare extravagantly, decorate extensively, and prepare so much food for the festivals. In contrast with his son, Unoka’s favorite moments would be when he was able to showcase his talent with the flute along with other village musicians. His son disapproves of idleness to the point where he beats his wife before the Feast of the New Yam. In chapter 5 of Things fall Apart, it is said that “Okonkwo, who had been walking about aimlessly in his compound in suppressed anger, suddenly found an outlet. … Okonkwo's second wife had merely cut a few leaves off it to wrap some food, and she said so. Without further argument Okonkwo gave her a sound beating and left her and her only daughter weeping (Achebe 28).” The author points out that for Okonkwo's to carry himself and maintain his confidence, he would need to put down others as he did with his wives. Okonkwo implies that to be manly you must be dominant in every single thing even when it is

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