What is the significance of the following quote? "Okonkwo’s fame had grown like a bush-fire in the harmattan."

This particular quote, found early in Chinua Achebe’s debut novel Things Fall Apart, is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is a fitting analogy that describes Okonkwo’s rise within his clan. He developed his reputation after being raised in a marginalized household; when he finally got the chance to establish his name, he shot to prominence within the clan and became poised to become one of the greatest men of Umuofia.

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This particular quote, found early in Chinua Achebe’s debut novel Things Fall Apart, is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is a fitting analogy that describes Okonkwo’s rise within his clan. He developed his reputation after being raised in a marginalized household; when he finally got the chance to establish his name, he shot to prominence within the clan and became poised to become one of the greatest men of Umuofia.

More importantly, this line establishes the recurring motif that equates Okonkwo with fire. He is violent and destructive, and ultimately his drive consumes him. Throughout the novel, Okonkwo is associated with fire due to his temper and his overall disposition. Indeed, Okonkwo reflects on his nature and his appropriate nickname later in the novel:

“Okonkwo was popularly called the ‘Roaring Flame.’ As he looked into the log fire he recalled the name. He was a flaming fire” (153).

Thus, this passage is significant not only because it appropriately depicts Okonkwo’s rise to prominence, but also because it is the start of Achebe’s potent fire motif that runs throughout Things Fall Apart.