The central question concerning the tragic demise of the protagonist in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart revolves around the reasons compelling him to take his own life. This act represents a profound rejection of the changes imposed upon his Igbo community and a desperate attempt to maintain control in a world rapidly shifting beyond his grasp.
Understanding this event is crucial for grasping the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional societies. It illuminates the psychological trauma inflicted when established values and structures are dismantled, leaving individuals feeling powerless and alienated. The narrative highlights the individual’s struggle against overwhelming forces of cultural imperialism and the lengths to which one might go to preserve a sense of self and identity in the face of societal collapse.