Things Fall Apart, Part 2_ Crash Course Literature 209

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart is a significant novel that explores the impact of colonialism in Africa.
Written in the context of 1950s decolonization, it reflects on two opposing cultural narratives.

The novel is a historical narrative set during the colonial period in Igbo land, Nigeria.
Achebe provides insight from both the era of colonization and the 1950s when many African countries were gaining independence.
Born in 1930 to a family divided between Christianity and traditional Igbo beliefs, Achebe's own experiences influenced his writing.

Achebe perceived himself at the intersection of traditional Igbo culture and European colonial influence.
He describes writing Things Fall Apart as an effort to
- Retell the story of Africa
- Counter Eurocentric narratives that often portrayed Africans as uncivilized.

The book portrays a rich Igbo culture, with complex social institutions such as tribal councils that govern and maintain order.
The narrative begins by highlighting the strong connection between the living and the ancestors, emphasizing traditional beliefs and practices.

The arrival of British missionaries and colonial governors leads to a disruption of traditional Igbo life.
Europeans misunderstand the existing institutional frameworks and impose their beliefs, resulting in society's upheaval.
Achebe does not simply condemn or praise either perspective but presents the strengths and weaknesses of both.

As Okonkwo, the protagonist, returns from exile, he finds his community irrevocably changed.
Characters such as Obierca highlight how locals have adopted the stranger's religion, showcasing the subtle yet powerful cultural shifts.

The Berlin Conference (1885) was pivotal in defining Africa's colonial fate, excluding African voices from the decision-making process.
European powers sought to establish colonies for resources, leading to economic exploitation under the guise of spreading commerce, Christianity, and civilization.

Achebe depicts the gradual change in Igbo society due to missionary intervention:
- Mister Keyaga, the first missionary, initially perceived as harmless.
- Mister Brown, who attempts to bridge cultural divides by acknowledging local traditions.
- Reverend James Smith, whose rigid viewpoint leads to violence and conflict.

Tensions escalate as Okonkwo and village leaders face British authority after resistance efforts backfire.
The narrative illustrates Okonkwo's tragic fate as he finally hangs himself, reflecting despair over the capture of his culture.

Achebe clinches the story with the reflection of the District Commissioner who views indigenous Africans as mere footnotes in his narrative of civilization.
The closing underscores the overarching loss of humanity resulting from colonization, emphasizing its destructive nature.
Things Fall Apart serves not just as a story of individual tragedy but as a critique of broader colonial indifference and ignorance
Achebe's call for seeing diverse perspectives reminds readers to consider the complexity of human experiences.

Achebe's narrative urges a re-examination of perspectives, advocating for a broader understanding of different cultures and histories.
Notably, Igbo wisdom states that a proper understanding requires not being stagnant in one location.