Things fall apart and colonialism. Essay Sample On Colonialism In "Things Fall Apart" 2022-10-22
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Things Fall Apart is a novel written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe in 1958. It tells the story of Okonkwo, a leader and warrior in the Igbo community of Umuofia in pre-colonial Nigeria. The novel explores the collision between traditional Igbo culture and the values and practices of British colonialism, as the British Empire establishes a foothold in the region and begins to exert its influence on the Igbo people.
One of the central themes of Things Fall Apart is the impact of colonialism on traditional societies. As the British arrive in Umuofia, they bring with them new technologies, religions, and forms of governance that challenge the values and way of life of the Igbo people. Okonkwo and his fellow villagers are forced to confront the fact that their way of life, which has been passed down for generations, is no longer sufficient to protect them from the forces of change and progress.
The arrival of the British is a turning point for Okonkwo and his community. The novel shows how the British exploit the Igbo people's natural resources and use their power and influence to undermine traditional Igbo culture. The British also introduce Christianity to the region, which threatens to undermine the Igbo's traditional religious beliefs and practices.
Okonkwo is resistant to change and fiercely committed to upholding the traditions of his people. He is deeply troubled by the changes that are taking place in his community and is determined to do whatever it takes to protect his way of life. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Okonkwo's efforts to resist the changes brought about by colonialism are ultimately futile. Things Fall Apart ends with Okonkwo's suicide, a tragic symbol of the defeat and collapse of traditional Igbo society.
In conclusion, Things Fall Apart is a powerful and poignant novel that tells the story of the impact of colonialism on traditional societies. It shows how the arrival of the British in pre-colonial Nigeria challenges the values and way of life of the Igbo people, and how traditional societies are often powerless to resist the forces of change and progress. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that colonialism has had on countless cultures and societies around the world.
Effects Of Colonialism In Things Fall Apart
When you mentioned how conflict emerged from competition over land, it made me think about how ownership of land has impacted who gains power throughout history. Works Cited: Shmoop Editorial Team. Other than that, the connection between character is this story tell the peruser that male and female jobs are cultural builds, and hence, male and female ought to carry on agreement to their inclination. You summarized the story very well, and made it easier to understand. The term postcolonial studies might be favoured hence. Achebe explains Igbo culture and the changes that occur after the British arrive and install their practices and religion. After independence was gained, new governments began popping up which operated under similar regimes Yusuf 257.
It is sad to see how the affects of colonialism has impacted places negatively for a very long time. Ultimately though, I believe there are many lessons learned from this time, that have shaped many ways of thinking within the Christian faith as far as controversy. Ikemefuna, who lived with Okonkwo for 3 years, has grown very close to Okonkwo due to his desire to be masculine like Okonkwo. You always have to wonder what the world would be like had the British decided to trade with the Nigerians for their handcrafted goods, rather than depleting them of all of their resources. Government was also brought by the colonisers alongside the school and religion. Colonisation here occurs by altering the belief, customs and values through the establishment of schools, government and religion. These missionaries came into the Umuofians lives, bringing the traditions and customs much different to their own; such as laws and religion.
The Negative Effects Of Colonialism In Things Fall Apart By...
The lack of order and the destruction of the society he knew so well becan to destroy Okonkwo as well. These stereotypes are given to both the white man that colonized them, and to the people that are being colonized. If the child 's iyi-uwa were found and destroyed, then it would not die. That different is ok and respecting those differences is essential to…. Characteristics such as Okonkwo, who was the fearless leader of Umuofia, were immensely afflicted. Eugene McCarthy and Richard Begam talk about Achebe's story methodologies.
However, Achebe disregards these deceptive stories of his home, and strives to give a scrupulous and authentic view on Africa's culture and traditions through his novel, Things Fall Apart. His novel, while portraying the firm beliefs, traditions and culture of Igbo society, also does not stereotype Europeans, giving varying portraits of them, for example, the contradictory District Commissioner, who wanted to force people into becoming christians, as well as the well meaning Mr Brown, who instead tried to convince the Igbo people to convert by explaining his religion, instead of forcing them. They are to be buried in the Evil Forest when they die. If religion and tradition are the threads that hold the clan together, and if that religion is flawed and that tradition vulnerable, it becomes hard to determine who is at fault for the resulting destruction. I really benefitted from this research because I am not ver informed on the British imperialism and the massive negative impacts that it had on so many smaller countries that they colonized.
British And Colonialism In Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe
This is very different to the normal long, heroic, and intelligent passages that they normally give out in the textbooks. Trying to change such a big part of you and the way you have always lived can be very hard on people. I found it particularly interesting when you mentioned the conflicts within Nigeria, regarding the Aguleri and Umuleri communities. This story also made me understand that we should use more angles to analyze and deal with problems. The European nations divided Africa amongst themselves to gain new resources to further support their empires. On a more profound level, postcolonialism looks at the social and political force connections that support expansionism and neocolonialism, including the social, political and social stories encompassing the coloniser and the colonized. This book has been translated by end number of people in more than 50 languages.
When Okonkwo was exiled and heard about the news of christian missionaries coming into Umuofia, he was convinced that Umuofia would be able to handle the white men swiftly and looked forward to being a part of it. Umuofia was a village that had strong ideas of masculinity, tradition, and very strict gender roles. The publisher of Things Fall Apart is by the Anchor Books and the book was first published in the year 1959. The white man is very clever. You were able to very effectively show the effects of how Nigeria and Africa as a whole were negatively affected by colonialism. But Okonkwo cannot fight against his son because he is uninformed about the Christian culture.
Most of the osu become Christians, and the outcasts become the most dedicated members of the congregation. Before the white men came, pre-colonialism, the village was persistent with their beliefs and customs, in which they participated in everyday life. Thanks for your post, it is amazing! Similarly, in Things Fall Apart Mr. While reading this it allowed me to understand more within the concept of Imperialism and the aftermath effect that it can create even after once there is full independence. I think this shows how injustice can be caused by governments and made me think about how people suffer different injustices due to different forms of government around the world.
Colonialism in Things Fall Apart Analysis Essay Example
For example, Achebe uses some traditional Igbo phrases such as Egwugwu which means spirits, Chi which means a personal god or Agbala which means a man with no title. This is portrayed with the views of an African native, Okonkwo, who was once famously known. Nwoye also struggles with religion, eventually rejecting his own religion to convert to Christianity because he does not agree with his people 's religious beliefs. In other words, whatever you do one, his fate is already decided. Though colonialism can be viewed as a bad thing that has completely destroyed the traditions and culture of community, it can also be seen as having good effects since it helped remove the cultural violence that was practiced.
British Colonialism In Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe
It was interesting to read about how British colonialism in Nigeria caused conflict and damage not only between Nigerians and the British, but also between the different Nigerian communities. The negative effects that Britains actions caused other countries is not something that I ever learned about. Chinua Achebe — Chinua Achebe was born on the date of November 16 in the year of 1930. They simply said that it just basically ended in the 1950s and that was it. We additionally should not very over the top since everything needs an evolving. In addition to draining material resources, British imperialization also brought significant conflict, both with Nigerian communities and between them.
