The Colonized Fall Apart: A Postcolonial Analysis of Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Abstract

Things Fall Apart simultaneously portrays Okonkwo, the protagonist, and Igbo society’s misfortunes. Okonkwo’s misfortune is primarily due to forces like fate and colonial authority, with some influence coming from his own whim. Once more, society disintegrates because it disregards the universal appeal of humanity and reason. The encroachment of white people and their culture resulted in many social and psychological upheavals in African society. Colonization in a way becomes responsible for the destruction of the Igbo society. Things Fall Apart presents the divergence involving the individual and the society and its consequences in colonial society. Okonkwo’s character, which is irrational, inconsiderate, and resistant to change, is the main cause of his demise. The culture also appears steadfastly unwilling to reevaluate its traditions and practices, despite the reality they run directly against common sense and humanity. To be able to accomplish their aims, Christian missionaries use colonists to exploit the society's flaws and gaps. Ultimately, they are successful in wiping off the ancient Igbo.