Lang. and Lit.: Things Fall Apart Thesis and Topic Sentence

  Chinua Achebe, through his novel Things Fall Apart, which was written in 1958, introduces the importance of duality and flexibility in beliefs and expresses the importance of applying both when developing or creating a new nation, connecting to the context of the nearing independence of Nigeria. Achebe, himself, values his dual-nature of being a member in both the Igbo religion and of Christianity and expresses this through his novel, Things Fall Apart, where he portrays how having this duality allows situations to be seen in a different perspective, alike how Achebe expresses the positive aspects and the flaws of both Christianity and the Igbo culture. Although, the opposite can be said of Okonkwo, the main character in Things Fall Apart, as he is a stubborn and highly religious figure of the Igbo culture in his village of Umuofia. When the British came to colonize his village, Okonkwo was an avid rebel against his self-believed tyrannical rule that the British held over he and his village people. His consistent struggle against the British rule causes him to lose the faith of his fellow village men, causing Okonkwo to lose the respect he spent years to regain after his father’s failures. Even though it is always encouraged and is considered advantageous to hold on to one’s beliefs and religion, Achebe aims to express how there must also be a mutual understanding of being flexible between cultures, specifically within the context of colonization and the creation of national identities, and that duality must be a prized and accepted trait amongst cultures throughout the world to allow any one culture to be not disregarded or be belittled by other, more widespread cultures.

Topic Sentence #1:

  It is important within all cultures to hold on to fundamental beliefs and ideas to be able to pass on the values of that culture and to be able to connect to other cultures.

Topic Sentence #2:

  Duality and mutual understanding between cultures has long-term importance as it allows cultures to evolve and to be able to adapt to new technology, ideas, events or even to other new cultures.

Topic Sentence #3:

  In the context of colonization, it is important to share ideas and beliefs to compare and connect said ideas and to create relationships between possibly opposing cultures and to be able to create a nation that values both of these cultures.