The Future Explored Through Symbolism in Things Fall Apart

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was in reference to the color of their shorts which were grey as the ashes. In addition, the ash symbolizes that the messengers were not respected as manly by the villagers. They were more feminine like ash.

Chinua Achebe uses fire as a strong symbolism of the masculinity and strength that defines everything Okonkwo is and does. From the beginning of the story, he wants to be better than his father. He has a strong need to succeed and become a successful man. That determination is symbolized by fire. The fire that Okonkwo himself feels deep inside of him and that propels him forward since he was young, "It filled him with fire as it had always done from his youth" (Achebe 42). Everyone around him recognized his strength and determination.
In the exact opposite manner, ash is used to describe Okonkwo's son, Nwoye. He is not strong or masculine. He is rather feminine, and this is symbolized by his preference to stay with his mother and listen to stories. Story telling is ...

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a crop exclusively grown by men. The size of a man's field and harvest represent his work ethic which directly correlates with his strength and masculinity. A strong harvest leads to wealth and directly correlates with a man's ability to feed his family. The strongest and most successful grower is also the strongest and most successful man, "Yam, the king of crops, was a man's crop", (Achebe 23) A good yam harvest will provide wealth and stature to the owner of the crop. (Lovesey).
Yams are also a symbol of the future since success or failure is not confirmed until much later. The crop begins with seeds and hard work. However, there are other factors needed for a good harvest and some ...

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