Thesis Statement and Essay Outline

Prompt: The personal history of an author can have a significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influence in Things Fall Apart.

Thesis Statement: Achebe developed Things Fall Apart as a piece of literature to display and influence a neutral perspective towards both Christianity and Igbo lifestyle, providing the reader with an equal viewpoint of both variables.

Topic Sentence 1: Okonkwo was characterized as a biased, yet unaware entity towards Igbo culture, and was implemented by Achebe to prove the lack of justification and complete understanding of Igbo beliefs.

Topic Sentence 2: Reverend James Smith was another significant individual part of the plot to portray Achebe's balance towards Christianity (being a Christian himself) and Igbo beliefs and discover that religion wasn't the central reason for White influence.

Topic Sentence 3: Achebe shaped Nwoye as an antagonist towards the central Character (Okonkwo) to foreshadow and, as a result, symbolize the gradual transgression of Nigerian Society.

Things Fall Apart: Thesis Statements

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole.

Thesis Statement: Achebe places certain sub-plots within the novel to centrally influence Okonkwo's tragic-hero archetype to symbolize the gradual downfall of Igbo lifestyle and culture.