Things Fall Apart: significance of prior/during approach

    The appeal of specifically choosing a prior/during approach to the colonial administration for the novel emphasizes the national change which resultantly occurred. The reader is able to follow how the citizens of the Igbo villages adapted to the sudden changes which followed. This helps show the local cultural damage which the colonizers caused, which the Nigerians then had to repair and fight back for until the independence of the country was restored. The negative connotation towards the colonizers accentuates his stance in the movement for an independent Nigeria. As well, the text showcases the clear cultural clash between Western appeals and African norms, which relates to the contemporary division of political power. The time prior to the colonizers is painted as rather quiet and sufficient, which is reversed with the emergence of the British. As well, this shows the settlement of a new faith into the land; Christianity, and how these ideas were either adopted or dismissed by the people. The inclusion of the start of Christianity within the novel shares the author’s personal connection the religion, which conflicts with his proud Igbo heritage. The text exposes the dilemma between two complex religions, which he strives to represent accurately through the chosen language of the novel; English.

    Although painting a very biased image against the British, through the text Achebe is able to share the complexity of his culture and identity (the contrary between Christianity and Igbo heritage) through a globally accepted language. This allows for a greater audience to indulge in contrary views to the commonly accepted ones, and proves his motivation to represent the complicated creation of his being through English literature. This said, the representation of Africa (and especially the history of Nigeria) through the novel allows for an alternative response to commonly accepted Western literary ideas. By speaking on behalf of the Igbo population, the author is able to share the minority side of such an important historical happening. By exploring his hybrid identity through the story, he is able to create a piece which others can relate to. Although not having personally lived through the context of the story, the author shares how his hybrid identity came to be the through the walking of past generations. The novel serves as a significant piece of literature due to the author’s personal connection, which wouldn’t be as well administrated if the text would to be set during the context of the production as the readers would be less aware of the multitude and richness of the Igbo heritage. The pure Igbo cultural norms presented before the invasion of the colonizers symbolizes what Achebe was fighting for; the independence of Nigeria.