Essay on Things Fall Apart

Introduction

In his seminal work, Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe vividly depicts the impact of colonialism on the Igbo society. By exploring the cultural practices, values, and traditions of the Igbo people, Achebe provides an insight into the complexities of pre-colonial Igbo society and how the arrival of the Europeans disrupted the existing social order. This essay examines the effects of colonialism on the Igbo society in Things Fall Apart, focusing on the themes of cultural clash, loss of identity, and the erosion of traditional values.

Body Paragraphs

One of the most significant impacts of colonialism on the Igbo society is the cultural clash between the traditional Igbo way of life and the Western values and norms imposed by the colonizers. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the Igbo society had a rich culture that was founded on strong communal ties, respect for ancestors, and a deep appreciation of the natural world. However, the arrival of the Europeans led to a clash of cultures as the colonizers attempted to impose their values, religion, and way of life on the Igbo people. For instance, the conversion of some Igbo people to Christianity led to the fragmentation of the community, as some members of the community were seen as "outcasts" and were ostracized by their fellow Igbo people.

Another impact of colonialism on the Igbo society is the loss of identity. The imposition of Western values, norms, and institutions led to the erosion of traditional Igbo values, beliefs, and practices, which had been the bedrock of the society. The colonizers portrayed the Igbo culture as primitive, savage, and backward, and as a result, many Igbo people were ashamed of their culture and heritage. For instance, in Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo, the novel's protagonist, struggles with the loss of his identity as a proud Igbo man and the pressure to conform to Western values and norms. This loss of identity is a recurring theme in the novel and highlights the devastating effects of colonialism on the Igbo society.

Finally, colonialism led to the erosion of traditional values and practices in the Igbo society. The imposition of Western values and norms, such as individualism, capitalism, and democracy, led to the abandonment of traditional Igbo values, such as communalism, egalitarianism, and respect for ancestors. For instance, the introduction of the cash economy led to the erosion of the traditional barter system, which had been the basis of the Igbo economic system. This erosion of traditional values had far-reaching consequences on the Igbo society, including the breakdown of social and economic structures and the loss of the sense of community. .

Conclusion

Consequently, Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart provides an insightful and nuanced exploration of the impact of colonialism on the Igbo society. The novel highlights the devastating effects of colonialism on the Igbo culture, including the cultural clash between the traditional Igbo way of life and the Western values and norms, the loss of identity, and the erosion of traditional values and practices. Achebe's work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the dangers of cultural imperialism. Ultimately, the novel emphasizes the need for a renewed appreciation of cultural diversity and the importance of cultural preservation in a world that is increasingly globalized.