The Heros Journey

1. The hero must go on a journey, learn a lesson, change in some way, and return home
At chapter 13, Okonkwo must leave Umuofia for seven years as punishment for accidentally killing a clan member.
His exile initially has a humbling effect on Okonkwo, as he must relinquish all of his earned social and political
status as a highly respected clans member. He serves his time away in his mothers village of Mbanta and comes
back after seven years. He expects to make a triumphant return, but finds his village to have dramatically changed
by British missionaries during his absence. Okonkwo must now find his place in the clan again as they fight for their
way of life and sovereignty of culture. He is no longer perceived as a warrior or leader.

2. The hero meets monsters or monstrous men

At chapter 20, Okonkwo returns to Umuofia to find his village taken over by missionary forces. Colonists quickly
take over Igbo culture, erecting schools, churches, and Western political structures like courts. Some of the clans
practices are made into crimes and the egwegwu are highly disregarded by the colonizers. Even though the
colonizers may not have bad intentions, their presence and changing of power has a detrimental impact on the
overall culture of the Igbo people.
Situational Archetype: The Fall
The Fall is described as, The descent from a higher to a lower state of being usually as a
punishment for transgression. It also involves the loss of innocence. Okonkwo
undergoes The Fall when he accidentally kills Ezeudus son and is exiled to his mothers
village for seven years. This happens at a time when Okonkwos power and reputation is
building within the clan. He has to accept a complete plunge to the bottom of the social
and political ladder. He loses everything-- his land, shelter, and crops.

Quote: His life had been ruled by a great passion--to become one of the lords of the clan.
That had been his lifespring. He had all but achieved it. Then everything had been broken.
He had been cast out of his clan like a fish onto a dry, sandy beach, panting (page 130).
Character Archetype: The Mentor
The Mentor is described as an older, wiser teacher to the initiates. He often serves as a
father or mother figure. He gives the hero gifts (weapons, food, magic, information),
serves as a role model or as heros conscience. Ezeudu, the oldest man in the clan,
represents the archetype of the Mentor. He is known by his clan members for his
wisdom, knowledge of clan traditions, and ability to pass information from the Oracle. He
advises Okonkwo twice in the story; however Okonkwo doesnt takes his advice and
suffers karmic consequences as a result.

Quote: That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in his death (page 57).
Symbolic Archetype
Supernatural Intervention occurs when, Spiritual beings intervene on the side of the hero or
sometimes against him. Supernatural Intervention is common in Things Fall Apart. One example is
when Chielo, who channels the god Agbala, takes a sick Ezinma into the caves of Agbala in order to
heal her fever. Another example is the clans general belief in supernatural intervention if they
disgrace their gods. Okonkwo is sent away after he accidentally kills a clan member because it is
believed that killing is a crime against the earth goddess, Ani. When Okonkwo hangs himself, his clan
members do not take him down because suicide is believed to be an abomination against the gods.
These are a few examples of supernatural intervention in Things Fall Apart.

Quote: The moon was now up and she could see Chielo and Ezinma clearly. How a woman could
carry a child of that size so easily and for so long was a miracle. But Ekwefi was not thinking about
that. Chielo was not a woman that night (page 107).