What is the significance of chi in things fall apart

An example of this was the wrestling match that Okonkwo won. On the other hand though, if an unexplainable event happened then it was blamed on the chi. This material is available only on Freebooksummary. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Sorry, but only registered users have full access.

How about getting full access immediately? Become a member. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a compelling story about Okonkwo, a wealthy and well-respected warrior of the Umuofia clan. He is haunted by the cowardly decisions taken by his father Unoka and when he dies, many of his village debts are left unsettled. Another important aspect to understand is the concept. It is set just as European colonialism of Africa is being introduced to the area. The author set it here to show the interactions between the white colonialists, almost all of whom are missionaries, and the native African peoples.

The setting shows the culture of the Nigerian. Throughout this story, Achebe interweaves oral elements, and through them, shares universal values.

One of such oral elements in Things Fall Apart examines the virtue of hard work and determination as a universal value. The story is told through the experiences and often times thoughts of protagonist Okonkwo, an imperfect but respected clansman whose fear of appearing weak drives every decision he makes.

In the peak of conflict, Okonkwo is exiled for seven years, loses much of the esteem he had gained and finds his bad Chi to be to blame. Eventually, this leads him to commit suicide. Masculinity vs. Femininity in Things Fall Apart If viewed on the surface the story line of Things Fall Apart is a tragedy, but when viewed in a wider perspective it is a story of deeper conflict. The main issue is that the British have come to establish a mission and receive converts. Less evident is the conflict this intrusion inserts between the Ibo and British.

The underlying issue is masculinity versus femininity. By this I mean to say that the Ibo are an agrarian people who are a patriarchal. Chinua Achebe, author of Things Fall Apart incorporates stereotypes into his book to demonstrate the effect of a single story good or bad.

He is a self made member of the Umuofia community unlike his father. Growing up, he developed a fear of becoming like his father and that is why it became his influence and purpose in life is to live successfully. This is one of the reasons he reaches troubling times along with his Chi.

The concept of Chi plays a big role in his destiny and it was can be interpreted two ways after reading the book. It is possible that Chi may have caused his difficulties, but I believe that he caused them himself because of his strong-willed nature. The concept of Chi is discussed at a couple points throughout the novel. This becomes a repeating thought that occurs to Okonkwo …show more content… This is when it seemed that Okonkwo was at his best.

He is a very cultural person that was living a good life early in the book. Many people attributed Chi to his achievements, but he thought otherwise. He believed that it was a result of his own hard work. Another example early in the book is "That was not luck. At most one could say that his Chi or personal god was good. Get Access. Better Essays. Read More. Good Essays. Chi In Things Fall Apart.