Important Moments in Things Fall Apart

When Okonkwo kills the messenger, no one from his community backs him up and eventually, decides to hang himself

This is important because contextually speaking, it reveals how the Igbo people although resented the colonists, did not dare act aggressively against them, something reflected historically. The fact that the villagers do not back Okonkwo in his decision to murder the messenger continues to build onto the thematic idea that what won't bend will break– the village is adapting to the change whilst Okonkwo isn't. The pentacle of this is reflected in how he decides to hang himself. Lastly, this is important in terms of character because it creates a paradox in the characterization of Okonkwo. Throughout the novel, he strives to not be seen as weak, strives to personalize the epitome of masculinity and to avoid at all costs resembling his father. Nevertheless, his shameful and to an extent, cowardly death shows that internally, Okonkwo is weaker than he seems. This may reveal that Okonkwo is more concerned with what others think of him, of having a polished reputation

When Nwoye decides to join the Church, efficiently being persuaded by Mr. Brown

This is an important even in terms of theme and context. For the former, the fact that Nwoye is compelled to change religions portrays that there exist cracks in Umuofian society and therefore, foreshadows to how things will fully fall apart once the external aggressor to the society (colonialists) consolidate more of their strength. In terms of context, Nwoye could be seen to have parallels with Achebe himself as he it is at a crossroad between western and Igbo culture. This can be connected to the idea of the paths Nigerians may chose to tread upon independence– either, adopt western and Nigerian traits, or be completely inflexible and conform fully to Igbo culture. It can be thus concluded that Nwoye represents that cultural flexibility. In terms of conflict, this event also is important because it continues to stress how Umuofia will fall apart and away from its original societal order. This point is pivotal because the son of one of the strongest, most incorruptible men of Umuofia has efficiently been persuaded by the 'enemy'. This can seen as creating more tension between the two powers– the colonists and the Igbo.

When Okonkwo borrows seed yams from Nwakibie

This serves as a strong characterization point for Okonkwo as his endurance of raising his produce through the natural adversities shows his determination for making a name for himself. The fact that he also did it to avoid being like his father emphasizes the extent to which he fears being seen as weak.