The Importance of studying 'Things Fall Apart' and why you should look forward to reading it! by Patricia Owiyo

Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe is an insightful novel that explores the pre-colonial African society and how the European colonialism affected them. Achebe explores the Igbo way of life, their traditions, their beliefs and their social structures – providing a fresh view of African culture on a whole, which is often overlooked in western literature. As you follow Okonkwo's story, you are immersed in the various complexities of the Igbo society, for example masculinity and identity among many others. He crafts a novel that challenges the stereotypes of the pre-Igbo society and creates a more accurate depiction of African society - making it essential for cultural understanding.

Additionally, Things Fall Apart delves into topics that are still relevant today such as the opposition to change, resistance against it and the consequences of colonial rule. By way of the colonizers in the novel, Achebe highlights the extremity of the disruption that may occur from external forces, that reshape entire communities as we have seen in in Palestine among others. Studying this novel not only enhances your critical thinking skills, but also your problem solving and decision making as you question whether or not change should be resisted.