Things Fall Apart Chapters 20-21

Chapter 20 Okonkwo has been away from his clan for seven years. Knowing he has lost his status in the clan, he also knows he can regain some of his losses. Okonkwo plans to rebuild his compound “on a more magnificent scale” to house his family including his two new wives. But after seven years, Umuofia has changes. The new religion has grown and the white men make the villagers conform to their judicial system and government. To Okonkwo’s disappointment, many of the clansmen sided with the white man, including Ogbuefi Ugonna who had taken two titles.

Chapter 20 Obierika and Okonkwo discuss the changes in the village. They speak of Aneto, and how Aneto was unsatisfied with the new court and was hanged. Discouraged, Obierika and Okonkwo “sat in silence for a long while afteward.”

Chapter 21 Okonkwo feels strongly about the white man’s influence, but others do not feel the same. The white man sets up a trading store and money flows into the village for the first time. The white man’s religion is growing and Mr. Brown is firm with his church members, forbidding them to upset the clan. However, one member of the church, Enoch is difficult to restrain. Mr. Brown is highly respected by the clan as well as other villagers.

Chapter 21 Akunna, one of the great members in the village, often meets with Mr. Brown to discuss religion. Neither one is able to convert the other, but have a greater understanding of each other’s beliefs. Akunna sees value in the white man’s knowledge and sends one of his sons to be taught in Mr. Browns school.

Chapter 21 Mr. Brown asks the villagers to send their children to his school, explaining that someday strangers from other places who can read and write will come to rule them. Soon, more people come to learn in Mr. Brown’s school. His hospitals are popular; the villagers like how his medicine works quickly. In the end, Mr. Brown’s health becomes poor and he must leave.

Chapter 21 Before Mr. Brown fell ill, he visits Okonkwo, but Okonkwo does not receive him and tell him. Okonkwo’s two beautiful daughters arouse many suitors, and marriage negotiations begin. Okonkwo’s clan does not seem interested in his return. The new religion, government and trading store seem more important than Okonkwo’s return. Okonkwo is saddened as he mourns for the clan who in Okonkwo’s opinion have become soft like women.