Things Fall Apart

As he prepares to return to Umuofia, Okonkwo recognizes that “he [has] lost his place among the nine masked spirits who [administer] justice in the clan,” has lost his chance to lead war against the Christians, and has lost his chance to take high titles (171). Nonetheless, he is determined to be successful again.

He vows to rebuild his compound “on a more magnificent scale” and make his sons respected among the clan (171). His chi, so rebellious before, seems to “[make] amends for the past disaster” by bringing yams abundantly. Though Nwoye’s “great abomination” threatens the family, Okonkwo’s four remaining sons are his hope, and he vows to them that he “will only have a son who is a man” (172). His daughters, especially Ezinma, are also a source of pride.

Ezinma’s extreme beauty, reminiscent of her mother’s, brings her many suitors. Okonkwo encourages Ezinma, and Obiageli through Ezinma, to wait until their return to Umuofia to accept a suitor. “With two beautiful grown-up daughters,” he assumes, “his return to Umuofia would attract considerable attention” (173).

In Umuofia, though, the white man’s influence is distracting. The church has new, more powerful members, including a titled man.