Chinua Achebe's novel “Things Fall Apart” is one of the most important works in African literature. This book tells the story of Okonkwo, an ambitious, intuitive, and hard-working man from Nigeria. Okonkwo represents the traditional African way of life as his culture is traditional and hierarchical in nature, yet he seeks to rise above the confines of his culture and gain power and prestige.
The novel follows Okonkwo as he treks through the British colonial period in his state of the Umuofia. It follows him as he tries to secure a position of power and influence, both in the village and in the outside world. He is known for his intensity and willingness to fight for his beliefs and unafraid of consequences. However, his stormy and sometimes violent behavior provokes dissatisfaction and conflict with the culture and traditions he strives to uphold.
The novel begins with a description of the traditional African culture. It is set in the late 1800s and we follow the tribes of the nine villages and their traditional religion and customs. The first part of the book focuses on Okonkwo and highlights his struggle between his ambition, his family, and his tradition. Of course, the novel also discusses the looming threat of the British missionaries, who accidentally cause a stir in the Igbo community, disrupting their traditions and customs. This aspect of the novel draws parallels to colonialism and the invasion of foreign culture.
In addition to this, the novel also discusses the erosion of cultural identity, a theme that is relevant to this day in regards to the effects of globalization. As the British forces threaten the Igbo culture and Okonkwo becomes more outspoken, he begins to question his traditional ways and even decide to take drastic action. This culminates with him destroying his own shrine, thus further dissecting the complicated relationship between Okonkwo and his culture.
In the end, Okonkwo is unable to reconcile his traditional beliefs with western culture and values, resulting in his death. Despite this, some of the cultural values he championed remained and the novel provided a powerful illustration of the struggles and tensions between the traditional African way of life and the written rules of colonialism, which still resonate today.
In conclusion, Chinua Achebe's novel “Things Fall Apart” remains an important work of literature as it is focused around a powerful, yet complex protagonist and it highlights the harsh realities of colonialism and the erosion of cultural identity. Along with this, it reinforces the relevance of preserving cultural heritage, particularly in the face of outside forces. This novel will surely remain an important part of African literature, as it speaks to the importance and strength of traditional African customs.
