Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

Things Fall Apart is the tale of Okonkwo, a member of the Ibo people. He is well-known, both in the village and outside, and his fame, respect, and success have all been hard won through years of sacrifice and hard work. At the age of eighteen, he brings honor to his village by beating "Amalinze the Cat" in a wrestling match, and in the years that follow he becomes a wealthy farmer; he owns two barns full of yams, has three wives, two titles and had shown great prowess in the two inter-tribal wars.

Okonkwo is nothing like his father, Unoka, whom he despises for his laziness. Unoka is a failure, and he and his wife and children barely have enough to eat. He borrows money from people, which he never pays back. One day, Okoye comes to see him and explains to Unoka that he intends to take the third highest title in the land, but it is an expensive ceremony and he needs the two hundred cowries he had lent to Unoka more than two years before.

On hearing this, Unoka bursts into laughter. He points at the wall, on which five groups (the smallest consisting of ten lines) of lines are drawn in chalk. Each of these, he explains, is a debt he owes to someone and each line is equivalent to a hundred cowries. He says that he will pay Okoye, but he must pay his big debts first; the inference being that Okoye will never be paid. At this, Okoye leaves.