Question

Which of the following novels by Chinua Achebe derives its title from W. B. Yeats's poem "The Second Coming"?

• A. Arrow of God
• B. No Longer at Ease
• C. A Man of the People
• D. Things Fall Apart

Hint:

When encountering a literary question that references a title or a line from a famous poem, look for the thematic connections. Achebe's title "Things Fall Apart" is not only a literal reference but also a metaphor for the cultural and personal destruction depicted in the novel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Chinua Achebe's seminal novel, Things Fall Apart, takes its title directly from W. B. Yeats's famous poem "The Second Coming." The poem, written in 1919, deals with themes of societal collapse, the chaotic nature of history, and the inevitability of change. The line "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold" speaks to the breakdown of traditional structures, an idea that resonates deeply in Achebe's novel, which focuses on the disintegration of Igbo society in the face of European colonialism. Achebe, through Things Fall Apart, uses Yeats's imagery to reflect the collapse of the old order in post-colonial Africa. The story of Okonkwo, the protagonist, is one of personal and cultural disintegration as he confronts the arrival of colonial powers and missionaries in his village. The novel captures the tensions between the indigenous African culture and the foreign influences that disrupt it, leading to a sense of "things falling apart." Key Points: - W. B. Yeats's poem "The Second Coming": The poem describes a world in turmoil, with "things falling apart" as a central motif. It speaks to a loss of control and the rise of a chaotic new order. The imagery in the poem evokes a sense of dread and uncertainty about the future, much like the events in Things Fall Apart. - Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart: Achebe's novel explores the cultural and personal destruction of the Igbo community through the lens of Okonkwo, whose world collapses as colonialism and Christianity penetrate the village of Umuofia. The novel symbolizes the breakdown of a traditional African society in the wake of European colonial intervention. Achebe's use of Yeats's title is a powerful reflection of the historical upheaval brought about by colonization and the loss of indigenous African traditions. The title encapsulates the central theme of the novel: the destruction of the old ways and the painful transition to a new and uncertain world. Additional Context: Things Fall Apart is one of the most important works in African literature and is widely considered Achebe's masterpiece. It is the first book in his African Trilogy, which also includes No Longer at Ease and Arrow of God. The novel was published in 1958 and has been translated into many languages, having a lasting impact on readers worldwide. Through this novel, Achebe introduced readers to the complex realities of pre-colonial African life and the devastating effects of colonization.