Things Fall Apart, a novel, follows the life of African man Okonkwo, who lives in the village of Umuofia. As a young man, Okonkwo seeks to distinguish himself, and through hard work becomes a leader in his village. When white men invade his village, Okonkwo wants to fight and drive them out. He soon realizes that the old values and customs he has lived by are disappearing, driving him to despair in this classic exploration of masculinity and the conflict between tradition and change.
The District Commissioner arrives at Okonkwo's compound with the intention of arresting him for killing his messenger, but when he arrives Obierika shows him Okonkwo's dead body hung from a tree. The District Commissioner, complying with Obierika's plea, tells his men to take down the body and bury it. Obierika accuses the District Commissioner for pushing Okonkwo past his limit, making him kill himself. The District Commissioner finds the ironic scenario interesting, barely enough to include it in his book about Africa: The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger.
Already have an account? Log In Now