In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe vividly illustrates the tragic story of proud warrior Okonkwo as he faces the challenges presented by a rapidly changing Umuofia. Okonkwo faces a number of problems in the novel. Chief among them is the pervasive influence of Western settlers that changes the face of his region and ultimately marginalizes the traditional norms and values that Okonkwo holds dear. This influence becomes especially prevalent when he is in exile in Mbanta. His oldest son Nwoye rebukes his relationship with his abusive father and joins the Christian church. Okonkwo feels betrayed, and considers Nwoye dead to him:
“How could he have begotten a woman for a son? At Nwoye’s age Okonkwo had already become famous throughout Umuofia for his wrestling and his fearlessness. He sighed heavily, and as if in sympathy the smoldering log also sighed. And immediately Okonkwo’s eyes were opened and he saw the whole matter clearly. Living fire begets cold, impotent ash. He sighed again, deeply” (153).
After Okonkwo returns from exile, he realizes that the region has changed forever. The major problem that Okonkwo faces is that his values are no longer seen as relevant. Umuofia has been too heavily influenced by Western norms and institutions:
“Umuofia had indeed changed during the seven years Okonkwo had been in exile. The church had come and led many astray…. But apart from the church, the white men had also brought a government. They had build a court where the District Commissioner judged cases in ignorance” (174).
Thus, the problems that Okonkwo faces can largely be traced to his inability to adjust to change. His inflexible will makes him a living relic, and this why he faces so many problems in the novel.
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