Thesis Statement

With reference to Things Fall Apart, discuss how an understanding of gender influences how the text may be understood.

Thesis Statement: The interpretation of Things Fall Apart is deeply entrenched in the cultural and gender-related context of its composition. Chinua Achebe’s selective implementation of secondary characters such as Nwoye, Unoka, and his three wives, gives rise to the emergence of a richer indirect characterisation of Okonkwo by highlighting his tragic flaws and path to downfall as they parallel with Okonkwo. This overall develops the significance and influence of gender in the Achebe's literary work; since a character's conflicts equate to a certain theme and larger context.