Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

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The novel Things Fall Apart written by Chinua Achebe highlights the many important historical events that happened during the period of colonialism, spread of religious fervor to Africa from Europe, and the importance of the native religion among African societies. Achebe shows that religion holds a major influence in many African societies and influences the daily life of the natives. Furthermore, the novel introduces a major event that happen during pre-colonial Africa, the spread of the Christian faith, which forever changed and affected the natives in Africa, more specifically the Igbo society located in Nigeria. Things Fall Apart vividly describes and explains how the Christian faith that arrived in Africa changed both the individuals in the Umoufia and society. To add on, the novel shows how the spread of Christianity ultimately leads to the destruction of the many native African cultures, and shows what redeeming qualities that arise from the destruction of their culture. Achebe describes how the Christian faith acts as a guide to the Igbo society and at the same time acts as the inevitable downfall of the Igbo society. Nwoye was greatly confused about his religion and his society. He was not greatly connected with his tribal religion due to the conflicting ideas between his tribal religion and his view. However, with the arrival of the Christian faith brought by the missionaries Nwoye felt deeply connected with the foreign religion and seeks its guidance. Stated on page 128, “He felt a relief within as the hymn poured into his parched soul.” From this quote it states that Nwoye suddenly feels captivated by the song that the Christians sing; however, it has a deeper meaning because the song provides Nwoye with the... ... middle of paper ... ... of respect and appreciation for a different culture can take part in the downfall of the Igbo society. The Christian faith shown in Things Fall Apart represents the downfall of many different cultures in Africa due to the takeover by the European. The situation that is shown in the novel can even be related to society today with the event that transpired in North Korea. The new leader, Kim Jong Un, purged the old regime from power and replaced with the new people that he elected. The main protagonist in the Novel, Okonkwo is similar to Jang Song Taek, Kim’s uncle, because both men represent the old ways. In addition, both were forced to by another power that ultimately toppled them and they were the last resistance that stood in the way of their opponent. It shows that without unity and respect for a culture, another force can take over and destroy a society.

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