The Philosophical Undertones of Chinua Achebe’s 'Things Fall Apart': A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Title

Introduction

The title of Chinua Achebe's acclaimed novel, "Things Fall Apart," is a profound choice that reflects the themes of his work. Achebe’s novel delves into the cultural, social, and political upheavals experienced by the Igbo people during the British colonial period. The title itself is a powerful metaphor for the collapse of traditional society and the violence and disintegration that follow.

The Source of the Title: William Butler Yeats’ Poem "The Second Coming"

The title of "Things Fall Apart" is taken from the third line of William Butler Yeats' poem "The Second Coming," which is a rich source of metaphoric and symbolic content. The poem, through its vivid imagery and complex messages, captures the chaos and decay that Achebe portrays in his novel. Yeats' work serves as a fitting lens through which to examine the societal breakdown Achebe elucidates.

Background on Yeats’ Poem

"The Second Coming," published in 1920, reflects post-World War I disillusionment and the uncertainty of the future. The poem's imagery is darker and more apocalyptic than its title suggests, as Yeats paints a picture of a world in turmoil, "turning and turning in the widening gyre," where the forces of nature and humanity are at odds.

Analysis of the Poem's Themes

1. The Widening Gyre： The gyre is a symbol of circular time and the idea of a collapsing universe. The falcon’s inability to hear the falconer indicates the loss of control and the breakdown of traditional authority.

2. Things Fall Apart： The line "things fall apart" is a direct and powerful statement that aligns well with the thesis of Achebe's novel. It conveys the idea that when a society is no longer balanced or cohesive, collapse and disintegration are inevitable.

3. Mere Anarchy： The poem suggests that without order and stability, a society will collapse into chaos ("mere anarchy is loosed upon the world"). This resonates with the chaos and violence depicted by Achebe as the British colonial presence disrupts the Igbo way of life.

4. Ceremonies of Innocence Drowned： The image of innocence being overwhelmed by blood and violence is a poignant representation of the loss of cultural traditions and values in Achebe's narrative.

Why Yeats' Poem Captures Well the Themes of Achebe’s Novel

Theme of Descent into Violence: Achebe’s novel is characterized by the descent of the Igbo community into violence and societal disorder. The arrival of the British colonial power disrupts the traditional balance, leading to a breakdown of trust and community. This is mirrored in Yeats' poem, where the gyre widens, and the center cannot hold, leading to a chaotic new order ("The best lack all conviction while the worst Are full of passionate intensity").

Approach of an Ominous New Regime: The poem’s themes of an approaching dark age and the loss of innocence are relevant to Achebe’s exploration of post-colonial life. The chaos and anarchy introduced by colonialism are reflected in the poem’s description of a time when the "blood-dimmed tide is loosed and everywhere / The ceremony of innocence is drowned."

The Significance of the Title in Achebe’s Literary Legacy

Chinua Achebe’s choice of title is significant in establishing the philosophical and social contexts within which his novel is set. The use of Yeats’ poem allows Achebe to tap into the wider cultural and thematic landscape of post-colonial literature, making "Things Fall Apart" a critical work in the genre.

The title also serves as a haunting and evocative reminder of the destruction of traditional society and the chaos that ensues. By evoking the language and imagery of Yeats, Achebe creates a powerful and lasting impact on readers, inviting them to reflect on the themes of disintegration, chaos, and the fall from innocence that mark the novel.