Proverbs in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Select any two proverbs in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart New York: Norton. 2009. Print. and explain the context of the proverb. Quote the proverb, mention the person saying the proverb and explain the context in which the proverb was said.

Full Answer Section

       

2. "A man who cannot tolerate his wife cannot tolerate anything."

  • Context: This proverb is spoken by Unoka, Okonkwo's father, to his son. Unoka is trying to advise Okonkwo on the importance of maintaining a strong family life.
  • Explanation: The proverb highlights the significance of family relationships and the potential consequences of marital discord. It suggests that a man's ability to succeed in other areas of life is often linked to his ability to maintain harmonious relationships within his family.

Sample Answer

     

1. "One does not expect a child to learn how to walk without falling down a few times."

  • Context: This proverb is spoken by Okonkwo, the protagonist of the novel, to his son, Nwoye. Okonkwo is encouraging Nwoye to take risks and learn from his mistakes.
  • Explanation: The proverb emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. It suggests that failure is a natural part of the learning process and should not be seen as a deterrent.