Colonialism in Things Fall Apart Essay Example
Colonialism in Things Fall Apart Essay Example

Colonialism in Things Fall Apart Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (612 words)
  • Published: December 31, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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This essay discusses the impact of Colonialism as depicted in the book Things Fall Apart. The tribe, various individuals, and the interactions between the white and black communities are all influenced by Colonialism throughout the narrative. "Does the white man understand our custom about land?" "How can he when he does not even speak our tongue? But he says that our customs are bad, and our own brothers who have taken up his religion also say that our customs are bad. How do you think we can fight when our own brothers have turned against us? The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion."

Initially, we found his foolishness amusing and allowed him to stay. However, he has now managed to win over our brothers, causing our clan to lose its unity. He has disrupted the values that held us together, resulting in our disi

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ntegration." (Achebe, 176) This analysis of the white man's lack of understanding towards our customs and traditions has been a recurring theme since the arrival of the colonialists. Obierika seems to express Achebe's own opinions on colonialism. Disturbed by the disregard the white men have shown towards the Igbo sense of justice, Obierika highlights their incapacity to comprehend anything about the Umuofians without speaking their language.

In pointing out the foolishness of belittling unfamiliar customs, Obierika acknowledges that blame cannot solely be placed on the white man's side. He believes that the Umuofians who have converted to Christianity have misguidedly abandoned their own "brothers." This complicates our understanding of the novel, as Achebe challenges the notion of viewing matters in simplified terms of good (black) versus bad

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(white).

According to the text, religion and tradition are essential for maintaining unity within the clan. If these elements are disregarded, the tribe or clan will fall apart. The author, Achebe, does not blame the villagers for this situation but instead criticizes the colonialists for disrespecting Igbo customs. Moreover, he disapproves of how certain clan members reacted to the arrival of the colonizers.

In chapter 22, Egwugwu, Umuofia's leader, approaches a missionary and assures him that no harm would come to him if he simply returned home and stopped interfering with their affairs. However, they insist on destroying a shrine that he had built.

We will not tolerate the presence of white men among us any longer. Their existence has led to numerous abominations, and we must act to cease it. This demonstrates that people have formed judgments and a dislike towards white men, primarily due to previous occurrences. Although Mr. Brown attempted to establish connections and interact with the community, a fresh white missionary has arrived who is endangering him because of his association with Mr. Brown.

Although the church must be demolished, there are rumors circulating about a white man who brought not only a new religion but also a government. According to these rumors, they have even built a place for legal proceedings in Umuofia to protect their religious followers and executed someone who killed a missionary. These stereotypes affect both the white colonizers and the colonized people. Due to the race of those involved, the tribe is already making baseless judgments, spreading false stories, and making other untrue claims.

In my personal experience, I had the opportunity to visit India several years ago. The British colonized

India for approximately 50 years before it gained independence over 20 years ago. However, I still observe the enduring impacts of British colonialism in the country.

From their culture to their sports, and even their judgments toward me as a white man sharing a different perspective or religion, I personally witnessed and experienced it all.

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