Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart - Presentation of Unoka Essay Plan - eBook
Detailed 7-page Essay Plan on the presentation of Unoka in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’. The Essay Plan includes three separate sections:
Section 1: Unoka is presented as a weak, "improvident" man who is unable to fulfil societal expectations of men in Umuofian society. Furthermore, Unoka is presented as a 'drain' on and a burden to those around him, frequently borrowing money without any real hope or intention of returning it. At times, Unoka adopts a dismissive, indifferent attitude to the impact of his actions on those around him, whether in relation to his family or his neighbours. Unoka is considered an "agbala" – a term which can both be another name for a woman as well as referring to a man who had taken no title – reinforcing a collective perception of Unoka as a weak, failed man. Unoka is considered to have been a failure, as evidenced through his lack of a title and being "heavily in debt" at the end of his life. Achebe presents Unoka’s reputation as being characterised by an undisciplined, uneconomical and irresponsible nature, reinforcing the perception of his inadequacy and shortcomings in Umuofian society.
Section 2: It might be argued that despite the clear weaknesses exhibited by Unoka’s nature and his lack of fulfilment of societal expectations of men, Achebe refrains from entirely condemning him as a character and offers a greater degree of complexity as to his nature. There are elements to Unoka's character that are presented as gentle, creative, musically gifted. He is a man who loved the "good fare and the good fellowship" (Chapter 1), and while incurring significant debts from his neighbours, he is also able to foster and develop connections and relationships with them. In addition to this, Achebe presents Unoka’s great talent and deep appreciation for music – an approach that warrants admiration and respect from others.
Section 3: It might be argued that Unoka and the ‘legacy’ that he leaves for Okonkwo largely shapes Okonkwo’s approach to life. Okonkwo emerges relentless in his commitment to live a life that is completely the opposite of that of this father, Unoka. It is clear that Unoka plays an important role in Okonkwo’s life, shaping how he engages with and responds to the world around him. As such, it is arguable that Unoka – and the combined effect of his inadequacies in life and his indignity in death – exists as a spectre that casts a perpetual shadow over Okonkwo. The haunting prospect of his father’s ‘legacy’ demands that Okonkwo distinguish and separate himself – in a steadfast attempt to prove that he is not his father.
After purchase, you'll receive a link to download your Essay Plan. Let's get to work!
Detailed 7-page Essay Plan on the presentation of Unoka in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’. The Essay Plan includes three separate sections:
Section 1: Unoka is presented as a weak, "improvident" man who is unable to fulfil societal expectations of men in Umuofian society. Furthermore, Unoka is presented as a 'drain' on and a burden to those around him, frequently borrowing money without any real hope or intention of returning it. At times, Unoka adopts a dismissive, indifferent attitude to the impact of his actions on those around him, whether in relation to his family or his neighbours. Unoka is considered an "agbala" – a term which can both be another name for a woman as well as referring to a man who had taken no title – reinforcing a collective perception of Unoka as a weak, failed man. Unoka is considered to have been a failure, as evidenced through his lack of a title and being "heavily in debt" at the end of his life. Achebe presents Unoka’s reputation as being characterised by an undisciplined, uneconomical and irresponsible nature, reinforcing the perception of his inadequacy and shortcomings in Umuofian society.
Section 2: It might be argued that despite the clear weaknesses exhibited by Unoka’s nature and his lack of fulfilment of societal expectations of men, Achebe refrains from entirely condemning him as a character and offers a greater degree of complexity as to his nature. There are elements to Unoka's character that are presented as gentle, creative, musically gifted. He is a man who loved the "good fare and the good fellowship" (Chapter 1), and while incurring significant debts from his neighbours, he is also able to foster and develop connections and relationships with them. In addition to this, Achebe presents Unoka’s great talent and deep appreciation for music – an approach that warrants admiration and respect from others.
Section 3: It might be argued that Unoka and the ‘legacy’ that he leaves for Okonkwo largely shapes Okonkwo’s approach to life. Okonkwo emerges relentless in his commitment to live a life that is completely the opposite of that of this father, Unoka. It is clear that Unoka plays an important role in Okonkwo’s life, shaping how he engages with and responds to the world around him. As such, it is arguable that Unoka – and the combined effect of his inadequacies in life and his indignity in death – exists as a spectre that casts a perpetual shadow over Okonkwo. The haunting prospect of his father’s ‘legacy’ demands that Okonkwo distinguish and separate himself – in a steadfast attempt to prove that he is not his father.
After purchase, you'll receive a link to download your Essay Plan. Let's get to work!
Detailed 7-page Essay Plan on the presentation of Unoka in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’. The Essay Plan includes three separate sections:
Section 1: Unoka is presented as a weak, "improvident" man who is unable to fulfil societal expectations of men in Umuofian society. Furthermore, Unoka is presented as a 'drain' on and a burden to those around him, frequently borrowing money without any real hope or intention of returning it. At times, Unoka adopts a dismissive, indifferent attitude to the impact of his actions on those around him, whether in relation to his family or his neighbours. Unoka is considered an "agbala" – a term which can both be another name for a woman as well as referring to a man who had taken no title – reinforcing a collective perception of Unoka as a weak, failed man. Unoka is considered to have been a failure, as evidenced through his lack of a title and being "heavily in debt" at the end of his life. Achebe presents Unoka’s reputation as being characterised by an undisciplined, uneconomical and irresponsible nature, reinforcing the perception of his inadequacy and shortcomings in Umuofian society.
Section 2: It might be argued that despite the clear weaknesses exhibited by Unoka’s nature and his lack of fulfilment of societal expectations of men, Achebe refrains from entirely condemning him as a character and offers a greater degree of complexity as to his nature. There are elements to Unoka's character that are presented as gentle, creative, musically gifted. He is a man who loved the "good fare and the good fellowship" (Chapter 1), and while incurring significant debts from his neighbours, he is also able to foster and develop connections and relationships with them. In addition to this, Achebe presents Unoka’s great talent and deep appreciation for music – an approach that warrants admiration and respect from others.
Section 3: It might be argued that Unoka and the ‘legacy’ that he leaves for Okonkwo largely shapes Okonkwo’s approach to life. Okonkwo emerges relentless in his commitment to live a life that is completely the opposite of that of this father, Unoka. It is clear that Unoka plays an important role in Okonkwo’s life, shaping how he engages with and responds to the world around him. As such, it is arguable that Unoka – and the combined effect of his inadequacies in life and his indignity in death – exists as a spectre that casts a perpetual shadow over Okonkwo. The haunting prospect of his father’s ‘legacy’ demands that Okonkwo distinguish and separate himself – in a steadfast attempt to prove that he is not his father.
After purchase, you'll receive a link to download your Essay Plan. Let's get to work!
