Things Fall Apart Imperialism Essay

1043 Words3 Pages

Things Fall Apart is a compelling novel written by the author Chinua Achebe, which describes the destructive tension between the Igbo people and the white colonists' traditions, but, maybe contrary to reader's expectations. The novel explores the crucial role played by colonization in depicting the Igbo people's influence by Western Culture. As a result, cultural traditions have been led to gradual disintegration and alienation by their own tribe members. All the Igbo citizens of Umuofia lived in a spiritual and traditional African society when imperialism is very evident. The core values of the novel is the determination of status, virtues, power, and cultural traditions that often help to analyze the impact of colonization of Umuofia based …show more content…

He showed how Igbo society is bound by laws and regulations as well as demonstrating that Igbo culture is respectful. African people are deeply concerned about their compatriots and show their hospitality. For examples, a host always provides a kola nut to represent the hospitable social ritual in the tribe and they believe that “He who brings kola brings life.” The owner also provides palm-wine to his guests, expressing their appreciation and symbolizing their friendship, mainly during "The Feast of the New Yam", because the festival symbolize the power of god. In addition to the "Week of Peace", symbolizes the unity of the clan and the appeasement of the gods to control the yam crops. Although the Igbo people depended on the divine community to push their religious holy laws to help them solve their problems. Sacrifice, for example, helps to mediate one's relationship with their god. Sacrifice ranges from animals to basic fruits and trees because animals are a symbol of the …show more content…

Umuofia’s great warriors have become “soft like women” (pg 183). "Things Fall Apart," perfectly portrays Okonkwo's life falling apart; Okonkwo takes his life at the end of the novel, indicating that the rich Igbo culture and tradition is declining, and becomes influenced by the West. Due to the accidental murder of Ikemefuna, Okonkwo was expelled from his clan. The crime he committed was against the earth goddess and he would have to leave the village for seven years. Okonkwo and his family fled to his mother's land where he lost all his achievements that he won through his efforts. In Okonkwo's exile, the missionaries (white men) came to his homeland that led to his antagonism. In this case, Okonkwo as a character who is reluctant to let go of his African customs, adapt to Western culture, and is willing to participate in the war to protect his African heritage. Okonkwo “mourned for the clan, which he saw breaking up and falling apart” (pg

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