One theme from Things Fall Apart is the complexity of Igbo society before the arrival of the Europeans. To assist this theme, Achebe incorporated the detailed explanations of the trial process and justice codes, family rituals, marriage customs, preparation processes of food and its production, divided leadership for the community, belief in religion and its practices, and the chances give to every man to be able to climb the clan’s ladder of triumph by his own doing.
Throughout the story “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, many themes are present. Achebe develops these themes and conveys them through characterization, imagery, symbolism, plotlines, and irony. The most prevalent theme in the story is violence which is best developed through characterization and plotline. The main character Okonkwo faces internal conflicts throughout the story and reacts to his problems using violence. A good example of this is found when the missionaries proselyte in the tribe. Okonkwo faces the problem of a change in tradition as tribe members convert to christianity. Okonkwo feels it necessary to uphold the long standing traditions. In order to keep tribe members from converting into christains, Okonkwo's first resort is violence. He suggests they harm the newly converted members. This aggressive perspective is an example of how violence is a theme in the story. When Okonkwo resorts to violence, the theme of violence is displayed through a plotline. Plotlines can develop the theme through the different stories told in a novel. The theme of violence was also developed through characterization. Achebe described Okonkwo saying “To avoid picking up Unoka's traits, Okonkwo acts violently without thinking, often provoking avoidable fights. He has a bad temper and rules his household with fear.” When an author creates a clear picture of a character the author is developing the theme through characterization. This theme of violence is prevalent throughout the story and can be found through characterization, imagery, symbolism, plotlines, or the use of irony.
