The Impact of Colonization on African Identity and Culture in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Abstract

This research paper aims to explore the profound impact of colonization on African identity and culture as portrayed in Chinua Achebe’s seminal novel Things Fall Apart. The research examines the pre-colonial Igbo society’s rich cultural traditions, values, and belief systems, emphasizing the vitality of these aspects in shaping African identity. It delves into the arrival of European colonizers and their disruptive influence, which upends established social structures and cultural practices. Through an analysis of key events and characters, the paper investigates the erosion of African identity and the erosion of cultural norms caused by colonization. The research explores the notion of cultural assimilation and hybridity as a response to colonial dominance. It examines how the Igbo community grapples with the intrusion of Western values and the consequent fragmentation of their cultural identity. This research paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts of colonization on African identity and culture as reflected in Things Fall Apart. It underscores the importance of recognizing and preserving African heritage and raises critical questions about the complex dynamics between colonizers and the colonized.