Things Fall Apart Quotes

Among the lbo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.

(Narrator, Part 1, Chapter One)

In Igbo tradition, conversation is always polite and often very proverbial. This points toward people who are sensitive and civilized and do not use direct or crass words in speech. Every conversation begins with the breaking of the kola nut, which is done by the oldest member present. Only after formal conversations revolving around the well-being of one’s family and general affairs do the Igbo people come down to business.

Among these people a man was judged according to his worth and not according to the worth of his father.

(Part 1, Chapter One)

In Umuofia, the Igbo people do not blame or praise a man for his father’s or predecessor’s achievements. One rises in the ranks of society through his own will, diligence, and planning. There is zero corruption and Igbo society is ideal in its almost socialist tendencies—equal opportunity and education for all.

Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. (Part 1, Chapter One)

“When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.” (Part 1, Chapter Two)

“We shall all live. We pray for life, children, a good harvest and happiness. You will have what is good for you and I will have what is good for me. Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too. If one says no to the other, let his wing break.” (Part 1, Chapter Three)

“A proud heart can survive a general failure because such a failure does not prick its pride. It is more difficult and more bitter when a man fails alone.” (Unoka, Part 1, Chapter Three)

Sometimes it poured down in such thick sheets of water that earth and sky seemed merged in one gray wetness. (Narrator, Part 1, Chapter Four)

“It is not bravery when a man fights with a woman.” (Evil Forest, Part 1, Chapter Ten)

“A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland.” (Uchendu, Part 2, Chapter Fourteen)

“There is no story that is not true. The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.” (Uchendu, Part 2, Chapter Fifteen)

Living fire begets cold, impotent ash. (Narrator, Part 2, Chapter Seventeen)

“He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.” (Obierika, Part 3, Chapter Twenty)

Umuofia was like a startled animal with ears erect, sniffing the silent, ominous air and not knowing which way to run. (Narrator, Part 3, Chapter Twenty-Three)