Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-7 | Issue-04 | 147-151
Review Article
Societal Disequilibrium in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”: Identifying the Key Issues
Alfred Dakoru Osomkume, Eke Regina Akudo
Published : April 29, 2023
Abstract
Objectives: This work thematically x-rayed the Igbo society and its culture, the impact of colonialism in Africa, cultural and religious conflict in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”. The novel captures the spirit of the African society during the transitional period. It delineates the encounter between the culture of Igbo tribes and the British culture necessitated by colonialism. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart portrays the African culture, tradition, social life, rituals and religion as well as the role religion plays in shaping people’s mind and behavior. It examines the impact of western religion on Igbo society/Africans at large that were happy with their religion. It elucidates the peculiarities in Igbo culture and tradition, especially the beauties and wisdom of its art and institutions. Achebe uses the novel to correct the misrepresentation of African culture and religion in Europeans literatures. It criticizes certain aspect of the African cultures that are inhuman and exposes the religious and cultural conflict between the western and African. The novel reveals the benefits of western civilization in Africa and these valuable benefits they acquired made them handicapped to fight their colonizers. Achebe delineated the colonial influenced on the African culture and religion. It also portrays the exploitation of the colonial masters under the cover of religion. It elucidates how the Africans suffered and lost their cultures and values due to the external forces that were beyond their control.