Achebe uses many different types of literary devices to develop the plot of his novel Things Fall Apart. One of the literary devices that was used quite often in the novel is symbolism. Yams are used as symbolism in the novel for manlyness and for wealth. Another example of symbolism is the arrival of the locusts, which represents the coming of the white Christains. Achebe uses foreshadowing to develop the start of Okonkwo's decline. Some examples of this foreshadowing includes the part where Ikemefuna is described as an ill fated lad which foreshadows his death which leads to Okonkwo's first state of decline. Not only are the locusts a symbol for the coming of the Christains but they foreshadow their coming to Achebe used two literary devices with one object. Achebe uses imagery in the novel when he is describing the rituals and celebrations of the clan and this helps develop the plot because it helps the reader undersand the way of the tribe befor it get destroyed.
There are many literary devices used in the plot development of <em>Things Fall Apart</em>; let's remember that we call a <em>literary device</em> all those tools an author use to convey his/her ideas and points in a story.
One of the tools used by Achebe in this text is irony. One example of this is Okonkwo's suicide at the end. After saying he could survive everything, you don't expect him to do it.
Another literary device the author uses is foreshadowing. This happens when an event or action hits at a future event or action. This is used, for example, when Okonkwo falls into depression after being exiled to his motherland for killing a clansman and, at the end he commites suicide. This depression meant more for him that any other event and changed his destiny.
Symbolism is other used tool in this story when referred to a man's ability to grow yams. It is directly tied to his manhood and how others see him as a man. In this particular case, the yam is the major symbol of masculinity.
