Chinua Achebe book summaries

“Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;”

These lines are from W.B. Yeats's poem 'The Second Coming', which Achebe uses as an epigraph for the novel, setting the tone for the theme of disintegration.

“Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond.”

Opening of the novel, establishing Okonkwo's reputation as a great warrior and leader.

“He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quickly enough, he would use his fists.”

Describing Okonkwo's physical response to frustration, highlighting his violent nature.

“The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”

Spoken by Obierika to Okonkwo after the arrival of the missionaries, explaining the divisive impact of colonialism.

“I am one of them now. I am one of them now.”

Nwoye's response when asked about his conversion, showing his embrace of the new religion and his separation from his father.

“He had already chosen the title of the book, after much thought: The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger.”

The final lines of the novel, revealing the District Commissioner's dismissive and colonial perspective on the events.