Things Fall Apart Imperialism

Western colonization of Africa led to rigid stereotypes of dumb, violent, and animalistic creatures that stand as humanity’s distant relatives. These stereotypes are ingrained in the subconscious of western society. Even Westerners who consider themselves above such discrimination find it hard to disassociate Africa from the image of uncultured savages created by imperialism. Despite the social implications, a postcolonial view allows the reader to analyze the methods used to combat these biases in literature. Notably, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart stands as an example of a novel at war with preconceived notions of Africans. Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart humanizes Africans though language, semblance of societies, and a focus on the
Language, and thus advanced communication, is often considered an important distinguishing characteristic between humans and animals. Therefore, by limiting a character's speech, a writer connotes stupidity or inferiority. This technique lowers the status of Africans and other marginalized groups when written among western characters. Achebe criticizes this technique in his characterization of the Ibo. In describing a conversation between Okonkwo and Okoye he writes, “Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten” (Achebe 7). By placing conversation in high regard, Achebe demonstrates the Ibo’s understanding and usage beyond necessity, thus adding depth to both the Ibo’s intelligence. Furthermore, the inclusion of proverbs creates another layer of intelligence, as proverbs are considered a form of high-level speech. Language in Things Fall Apart also gives Africans a platform to express their beliefs, emotions, thoughts, and culture. Achebe accomplishes this
Imperialism's effects are often thought of in broad strokes. The details are so complicated that it is simpler to consider the victim to be “Africa”. While simple, this way of thinking leads to a loss of humanity in the situation. It becomes easy to forget the millions thoughtlessly crushed under foot and the subtle ways in which they did so. Therefore, Achebe’s choice to follow Okonkwo through the arrival of Europeans allows the reader to experience the direct effect on the people of Africa. The greatest effect can be summarized by Obierika, “He has put a knife on the things that held us together, and we have fallen apart” (Achebe 176). In this one line, the reader is able to reflect on the path of Okonkwo and pinpoint the exact scenes and characters that were most susceptible to the missionaries. The cracks within the Ibo that led to their downfall were exposed from the start and the reader is able to empathize now with the fallen Ibo. Viewing Africa from the individual perspective of the Ibo tribe draws attention to the people themselves and makes their story more personal. When Africa is generalized, it becomes impossible to consider the responses of the actual victims. When the Ibo confronted the European missionaries, they pleaded “You can stay with us if you like our ways...we can talk to you” (Achebe