Focalization in Things Fall Apart

Focalization in Things Fall Apart

There are many examples of focalization used throughout the novelty known for as Things Fall Apart. One example comes from from the view of people in this culture at the beginning of chapter 2 (2). The night is described as quiet with terror for the people in this culture. They feared something unknown and terrifying might come, such as evil spirits, by being outside or making noise. However, on moonlight nights children happily played and people would enjoy being outside. This involves focalization because the description takes the reader into the eyes of someone living in that culture and feeling that way. This example relates to the them of uncanny. People are scared of the unknown, what might happen if they step outside in darkness.

Another example of focalization in Things Fall Apart is at of chapter 16 (2923). Okonkwo and company listened to the interpreter talk about God along with the missionaries singing about Him. While Okonkwo didn’t understand their faith ands soul. One hymn helped him answer the long baring question of the twins crying and Ikemefuna being killed. This relates to the concept of Heimlich, which is part of uncanny. Heimlich is what is homely, secure, and comfortable. Nwoye felt all this by finally finding a place he can be a part of. Achebe inserts a character filter, focusing on Nwoye’s perspective for his newly acquired religion.

Doubling

Okonkwo was a different person to different people in this novel. The first is his relationship with the District Commissioner. Both men had no respect for the other and had trouble understanding the other’s lifestyle, which is why they could be said to be doubles. He viewed the white people as disruptions and hags heard. To the District Commissioner, Okonkwo represents just a possible piece to his book, which is shown when he is unmoved by Okonkwo’s

...