Cultural Clash in Things Fall Apart: Impact of Colonization on Igbo Society

Introduction

Things Fall Apart, penned by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe in the twentieth century, stands as a quintessential modern African novel in English. Published in 1958 by William Heinemann Ltd in the UK, the novel draws its title from William Butler Yeats' poem "The Second Coming." Achebe, born in 1930, navigates the complexities of the Igbo community's clash with British colonizers and Christian missionaries in this seminal work. This essay explores the intricate dynamics of cultural collision within the novel, focusing on the clash between indigenous traditions and the forces of colonization.

The Clash of Cultures in a Pre-Colonial Setting

Set against the backdrop of pre-colonial Nigeria in the 1890s, Things Fall Apart illuminates the profound clash between colonial influences and traditional Igbo culture. Achebe's personal background, with his father among the early converts in Ogidi, offers a nuanced perspective. As an orphan raised by his grandfather, Achebe intricately weaves the narrative around the impact of change on various characters within the Igbo society.

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The tension between embracing change and preserving tradition, particularly in the patriarchal structure, becomes a central theme. Characters like Okonkwo grapple with the conflict, perceiving the new orders brought by the Europeans as a threat to their traditional ideals of manhood.

Okonkwo's resistance to cultural change is deeply rooted in his fear of losing social status. His self-worth is intricately tied to the traditional standards by which society judges him. The return from exile becomes a pivotal moment, highlighting Okonkwo's inability to adapt to the transformations introduced by the colonizers.

His staunch disapproval of western culture ultimately leads to his tragic suicide, portraying the profound impact of the clash of cultures on individuals within the Igbo society.

Villagers Caught in the Web of Change

The broader Igbo community also grapples with the dilemma of resistance and acceptance in the face of cultural upheaval. The introduction of Christianity and Western influence brings both excitement and apprehension among the villagers. While some see new opportunities and techniques through the lens of the missionaries, there is an underlying threat to traditional practices in farming, harvesting, building, and cooking. The advent of new technologies and education challenges the necessity of age-old survival methods, creating a rift within the societal fabric.

Achebe masterfully depicts the dependency of Igbo traditions on storytelling and language. The rejection of the Igbo language for English becomes a catalyst for the erosion of these traditions. The novel portrays western culture as "arrogant and ethnocentric," emphasizing the clash between the indigenous way of life and the imposing forces of colonization.

Language as a Cultural Battleground

Language serves as a poignant symbol of the cultural clash depicted in Things Fall Apart. Achebe explores the theme of language on multiple levels, underlining the complexity and uniqueness of the Igbo language. Through scattered Igbo words, Achebe reinforces the idea that Africa was not a silent or confusing entity but a rich tapestry of languages and cultures. The intricate nature of the Igbo language defies direct translation into English, echoing the broader challenge of understanding Igbo culture within the confines of European colonial values.

The novel suggests that Africa boasts diverse languages, evident in the villagers of Umuofia mocking Mr. Brown's translator for linguistic differences. Achebe underscores that the complexity of Igbo culture cannot be fully grasped through the lens of European colonialist values, reinforcing the pivotal role of language in cultural preservation. Writing the novel in English becomes a metaphor for the erosion of Igbo culture and language under the influence of colonial forces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Things Fall Apart masterfully unravels the clash of cultures within Igbo society, navigating the intricate dynamics of colonization and its impact on individuals and traditions. The clash between colonialism and indigenous culture becomes a poignant exploration of societal transformation and individual struggles. As Achebe weaves a tapestry of change, resistance, and loss, the novel stands as a timeless reflection on the enduring consequences of cultural collision.