The Cunning Tortoise in Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'

🐢The tortoise symbolizes cunning and deceit in the story, using language to manipulate and trick others.

🐦The birds represent honesty and gullibility, falling for the tortoise's tricks due to their trusting nature.

🐚The broken shell of the tortoise represents the consequences of greed and deceit, as well as the possibility of redemption.

👩‍👧The relationship between Azima and her mother, Equifee, showcases the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even if it means defying the gods.

❤️The love and tenderness shown between Okonkwo and Equifee displays a different side of Okonkwo's character, revealing his capacity for compassion.

What does the tortoise symbolize in 'Things Fall Apart'?

—The tortoise represents cunning and deceit, using language to manipulate and trick others.

What do the birds represent in the story?

—The birds symbolize honesty and gullibility, falling for the tortoise's tricks due to their trusting nature.

What does the broken shell of the tortoise symbolize?

—The broken shell represents the consequences of greed and deceit, as well as the possibility of redemption.

What is the significance of Azima and Equifee's relationship?

—Azima and her mother, Equifee, showcase the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even if it means defying the gods.

How does Okonkwo's character change in relation to Equifee?

—Okonkwo's concern for Equifee and his willingness to defy the gods display a different side of his character, revealing his capacity for compassion and love.

00:09The story of the cunning tortoise in Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' is introduced.

00:18The tortoise outwits birds to enjoy a feast, but faces revenge.

00:26The tortoise's shell is broken and later repaired by a medicine man.

00:46Azima is summoned by the Oracle and her mother follows her, defying the gods.

01:09Themes of greed, language, honesty, and love between husband and wife are explored.

01:27The relationship between Azima and her mother showcases a mother's protectiveness.

02:03Okonkwo's concern for his wife reveals a different side of his character.

02:34The novel highlights the first real display of love between husband and wife.