Paper 2 - Analytical response

 Discuss the significance of social status in ' Things Fall Apart', and comment on its contribution to characterization.

Throughout the text ' Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, the recurring theme of social status is mentioned on various levels. In terms of the context (Umuofia), social status is highly cherished by the Igbo people, and the only way that a member of the community, most likely a man, can truly be respected is through their factors of success. An Igbo man's achievements in life can earn him titles over time, these titles gain them respect in their villages and indicates that they are proficient residents of Umuofia.

Not only do titles gain the men respect but alongside that they are somewhat given privileges, due to them being placed in higher societal positions in Umuofia. When Ezeudu died, due to him possessing titles “(he) was to be buried after dark with only a glowing brand to light the sacred ceremony", whereas if a man like Unoka (Okonkwo's father) who was viewed as an 'agbala' by the community as a result of him being unable to achieve anything vital in his lifetime, you are given a un-respectful burying “He was carried to the Evil Forest and left there to die [...] and was not given the first or second burial".

In terms of Okonkwo, although he had quite an unsuccessful father he managed to make something of his life, even though “a man was judged according to his worth and not according to the worth of his father". Okonkwo did not desire to be compared to his father in terms of his actions and incompetence, and so that was his motivation to be a better man, “Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on his solid personal achievement.” which led to Okonkwo gaining a reputation of physical excellence (wrestling) and courage. Okonkwo was successful in the department of respect, as he was a “wealthy farmer and has two barns full of yams, and had just married his third wife. To crown it all he had taken two titles and had shown incredible prowess in two inter-tribal wars...He was already one of the greatest men of his time." this all benefited in establishing his advancement of mutual respect amongst his clan.

As the text advances Okonkwo allows his possession in the Igbo society to cause his ego to grow, which leads him to think that he has the right to both physically and verbally abuse his wives and children. After accidentally shooting Ezeudu's son and getting exiled to his motherland 'Mbanta' , Okonkwo comes to terms and realizes that “ he had lost his place among the nine masked spirits who administered justice in the clan. […] He had lost the years in which he might have taken the highest titles in the clan.” but still remained positive and decided that “he would return with flourish, and regain the seven wasted years.”

In conclusion Throughout the text ' Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe, the recurring theme of social status is mentioned on various levels. Social status has proven to further develop a character such as Okonkwo, as it led him to further motivate himself to not only be better than his father but to also aim to further his possession in the Igbo society. Alongside that it has made evident that the titles the men obtain grants them not only high respect from those above and below but also allows them certain privileges.