<P> The novel's protagonist Okonkwo is famous in the villages of Umuofia for being a wrestling champion, defeating a wrestler nicknamed "the cat" (because he never lands on his back). Okonkwo is strong, hard - working, and strives to show no weakness . He wants to dispel his father Unoka's tainted legacy of unpaid debts, a neglected wife and children, and cowardice at the sight of blood . Okonkwo works to build his wealth entirely on his own, as Unoka died a shameful death and left many unpaid debts . He is also obsessed with his masculinity, and any slight compromise on this is swiftly destroyed . As a result, he often beats his wives and children, and is unkind to his neighbours . However, his drive to escape the legacy of his father leads him to be wealthy, courageous, and powerful among the people of his village . He is a leader of his village, and he has attained a position in his society for which he has striven all his life . </P> <P> Okonkwo is selected by the elders to be the guardian of Ikemefuna, a boy taken by the clan as a peace settlement between Umuofia and another clan after Ikemefuna's father killed an Umuofian woman . The boy lives with Okonkwo's family and Okonkwo grows fond of him, although Okonkwo doesn't show his fondness so as to not appear weak . The boy looks up to Okonkwo and considers him a second father . The Oracle of Umuofia eventually pronounces that the boy must be killed . Ezeudu, the oldest man in the village, warns Okonkwo that he should have nothing to do with the murder because it would be like killing his own child--but to avoid seeming weak and feminine to the other men of the village, Okonkwo disregards the warning from the old man, striking the killing blow himself even as Ikemefuna begs his "father" for protection . For many days after killing Ikemefuna, Okonkwo feels guilty and saddened . </P> <P> Shortly after Ikemefuna's death, things begin to go wrong for Okonkwo . His sickly daughter Ezinma falls unexpectedly ill and it is feared she may die; during a gun salute at Ezeudu's funeral, Okonkwo's gun accidentally explodes and kills Ezeudu's son . He and his family are sent into exile for seven years to appease the gods he has offended . </P> <P> While Okonkwo is away in Mbanta, he learns that white men are living in Umuofia with the intent of introducing their religion, Christianity . As the number of converts increases, the foothold of the white people grows and a new government is introduced . The village is forced to respond with either appeasement or resistance to the imposition of the white people's nascent society . </P>

What is the overall meaning of things fall apart