Things Fall Apart (usually once white people step in)

I’m hoping my title immediately drew your attention, but I must apologize for the mediocrity to follow. I am going to attempt to analyze Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart using the Post-Colonialist lense…

Things Fall Apart is widely regarded as a classic example of European colonization versus native people. Chinua Achebe utilizes his knowledge of Nigerian culture and the English mindset to create a harsh dichotomy between the opposing people groups. However, contrary to expectation, Achebe chooses to expose the faults of humanity as a whole, rather than painting either side as the so-called “heroes.”

In the first part of the novel, Achebe primarily focuses on the village of Umuofia as an untouched civilization. By setting the scene for the rest of the novel in this tribe, he gives the reader a sense of humanity within the natives. They are their own culture with their own problems, not to mention their own (very) problematic characters. Okonkwo, though known as the tribe’s strong man, is inherently ruined by his traumatic past and his extremist views of moral masculinity. His lack of impulse control causes frequent outbursts of anger. Okonkwo firmly enforces what he believes gender separation should look like according to the customs of the village. His ideals are clearly exaggerated, even to the most traditional members of the tribe.

The second part of Things Fall Apart introduces the colonization efforts made by the British. Okonkwo is entirely opposed to anything having to do with the white missionaries, or the “ashy buttocks.” Originally, a kindhearted white Christian named Mr. Brown primarily ministers to the village of Umuofia. He is understanding and benevolent, converting people with the power of peace. Achebe uses Brown’s character to prove that not all colonization efforts needed to end in violence and oppression (even though most did). The author shows the audience that it is possible for two starkly contrasting cultures to come together in a beautiful fusion of humanity.

Unfortunately, Mr. Brown passes due to an unknown disease, and all cultural connections are cut. The new missionary, Reverend James Smith, has a much more clear-cut version of how to “civilize the savages.” Accompanied by the new District Commissioner, Smith’s ideals wreaks havoc on the peaceful ties between the races. The two oppress the natives, ridicule their traditions, and ultimately cause Okonkwo to admit defeat in the form of suicide.

From a post-colonialist perspective, Achebe’s definitely paints the English method of colonization as ineffective. He develops each side to feature their own inherent issues, but ultimately blames the English for the demise of African culture. Despite Okonkwo’s inevitable destruction, the appearance of overbearing missionaries only speeds the process and rips the village apart in the process. Colonization corrupts an untouched culture, imposing Western ideals in a location where they are unneccessary.