Definition of Power:
The influence of one person over another to do something
The strength a person holds to manipulate or control certain decisions
power is an important theme in Things Fall Apart. Okonkwo is a powerful and influential
leader within the Igbo (Ibo in the novel) community of Umuofia. He demonstrates his
physical power when he defeats Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling contest
• Okonkwo is determined to become wealthy and powerful by gaining as many titles he
can. He wants to be the polar opposite of his weak father, Unoka. Okonkwo believes
that he is merely demonstrating his power when he is harsh and insensitive to his
three wives and children
• the Oracle holds power over the Igbo community. The Oracle orders Ikemefuna’s death
in retribution for the Umuofian woman killed in Mbaino. Later, the Oracle tells the
people of Abame that the white man who rode his bicycle in to the village would
destroy them, so the villagers murder him
• the white men demonstrate their power through the use of violence when they
slaughter the people of Abame in an act of retribution
• the six missionaries demonstrate their power of faith and begin to convert the clan to
Christianity. The missionaries are deemed to be very powerful because they survive on
land that is said to be cursed. Mr Brown is a respected missionary who gains respect
and power because he shows a genuine interest in Igbo culture and traditions. When
he is replaced by Reverend James Smith, Smith demonstrates power through
intolerance and strict ways
• Obierika is a wise, faithful and powerful friend. Okonkwo goes to his friend when he is
in need. After killing Ikemefuna, Okonkwo goes to Obierika, who has warned Okonkwo
not to get involved. Only after discussing his feelings with his friend is Okonkwo able to
sleep
• the egwugwu hold power over the community. The nine clan leaders represent each of
the nine villages of Umuofia. The egwugwu make key decisions and decide suitable
punishments for crimes committed. When an egwugwu is unmasked by Enoch, they
show their power by destroying Enoch’s compound and by burning down the Christian
church
• Uchendu, Okonkwo’s maternal uncle in Mbanta, holds a position of power as he is an
elder of the tribe. He gives Okonkwo land to farm and a place to build a compound
• when Okonkwo returns to Umuofia, he is shocked to see that many villagers have
converted to Christianity and given up their titles and power
• the District Commissioner holds power and jails the egwugwu members who have
burned down Enoch’s compound. He cuts down the dead body of Okonkwo at the end
of the novel and considers himself powerful and successful when he writes his book:
The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger.