Things Fall Apart

Decent Essays
Plot Summary: The story begins with the protagonist, Okonkwo being revealed as a powerful brute in the village of Umuofia in Nigeria who wants to be the opposite of his lazy father, Unoka. Okonkwo is revealed to have a great work ethic and a short temper. Agbala, the goddess of the earth, Nwoye, Okonkwo’s son, and Ikemefuna, Okonkwo’s ill-fated tribute son are all introduced in the beginning of Things Fall Apart. The Week of Peace is celebrated every year in Umuofia. The harming of a tribe member by another is forbidden during the Week of Peace. Okonkwo disobeys this rule by beating his wife which brings about the wrath of Chielo, the priestess of Agbala. Because of his lack of obedience, Okonkwo has to bring one hen, one she-goat, a hundred cowries, and a length of cloth to the shrine of the goddess, Ani. …show more content…
A wrestling match takes place and Ekwefi, Okonkwo’s second wife, is reminded of how she got with Okonkwo. Ikemefuna is revealed to become more accustomed to the village of Umuofia as he rarely thinks about his family back in Mbaino. He also is seen to have had an influence on Nwoye’s masculinity which Okonkwo likes. Okonkwo is informed by Ezeudu that Agbala has ordered the sacrifice of Ikemefuna to Okonkwo’s dismay. Not wanting to be seen as a coward, Okonkwo and several other men take Ikemefuna out into the wilderness and kill him. Obierika warns Okonkwo that people are punished for such things. The death of Ikemefuna puts Okonkwo into a state of depression and causes Nwoye to hate Okonkwo. Time passes and Ezinma becomes

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