SEMINAR PAPER

On

TOPIC: Examining Postcolonial

Perspectives in Chinua Achebe’s Things
Fall Apart

Submitted to:
Department of English
H.C.D.G. College, Nitaipukhuri

Submitted by:
Name: Lakhyashree Gogoi
Class: B.A. 6th Semester
Roll No: 24

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 Contents

1.0 Abstract
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Objective of the paper
2.2 Scope of the paper
2.3 Methodology
3.0 Discussion
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Work Cited

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 Examining Postcolonial Perspectives in Chinua
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Abstract: Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart serves as a powerful critique of
European representations of Africans and seeks to reassert African identity and agency in the
face of colonial domination. Through its portrayal of the Igbo culture and the protagonist
Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain traditional values amidst colonial influence, the novel invites
readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural exchange, power dynamics, and the enduring
legacy of colonialism. This seminar paper examines the novel Things Fall Apart through a
postcolonial perspective, aiming to dissect its narrative complexities, character dynamics, and
cultural context.

Keywords: Postcolonialism, Oppression, Culture, Identity, Resistance, Colonization

Introduction: Postcolonialism is a broad intellectual movement that emerged in the latter

half of the 20th century, primarily in response to the legacies of colonialism and imperialism.
It encompasses various disciplines, including literature, history, sociology, anthropology,
cultural studies, and philosophy. Postcolonial perspectives focus on critiquing and
deconstructing the power dynamics, cultural hegemony, and systems of oppression that
colonialism has left in its wake. This includes exploring issues such as identity,
representation, language, and power relations in postcolonial contexts.

Things Fall Apart stands as the seminal work of Nigerian author Chinua Achebe,
which was first published in 1958. It is a classic narrative about Africa’s cataclysmic
encounter with Europe as it establishes a colonial presence on the continent. Told through the
fictional experiences of Okonkwo, a wealthy and fearless Igbo warrior of Umuofia in the late
1800s, Things fall Apart explores one man’s futile resistance to the devaluing of his Igbo
traditions by British political and religious forces and his despair as his community
capitulates to the powerful new order.

Objectives of the paper: The chief objective of this paper is to interpret Chinua Achebe’s
novel Things Fall Apart through the point of view of Postcolonialism. It also examines the
role of cultural identity and tradition in the novel.

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Scope of the paper: My study is limited to analyzing Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall
Apart from the perspectives of Postcolonialism.

Methodology: The analytical method was used in this paper. Moreover descriptive method
has also been used whenever necessary. The data used in this paper are taken from both
primary and secondary resources.

Discussion: Chinua Achebe’s masterpiece, Things Fall Apart, serves as a compelling

exploration of postcolonial themes, offering profound insights into the impact of colonialism
on indigenous African societies. Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, the novel meticulously examines
the collision between traditional Igbo culture and the forces of European colonization,
inviting readers to delve into the complexities of power, identity, and cultural resilience .At
its core, Things Fall Apart challenges the Eurocentric narrative of African inferiority
perpetuated by colonial powers. Through the character of Okonkwo, Achebe portrays the
complexities of African masculinity, subverting Western stereotypes and showcasing the
strength and dignity inherent in Igbo society. Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain his cultural
identity amidst the encroachment of colonialism highlights the resilience and complexity of
African societies, countering the colonial narrative of African weakness and primitivism.

Moreover, Achebe offers a nuanced portrayal of the impact of colonialism on

indigenous cultures. The arrival of European missionaries brings with it not only Christianity
but also disruption and disintegration of traditional social structures. Achebe illustrates how
colonialism fractures communities and undermines indigenous belief systems, leading to
cultural erosion and identity crisis among the Igbo people. Through the characters like
Nwoye, who converts to Christianity, Achebe explores the complex dynamics of cultural
assimilation and resistance, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of colonial influence.

Achebe’s narrative technique underscores the importance of reclaiming indigenous

voices and perspectives. By seamlessly weaving Igbo proverbs, folklore, and language into
the fabric of the novel, Achebe celebrates the richness and vibrancy of African oral tradition,
asserting the validity and significance of indigenous knowledge systems. In doing so, Achebe
empowers readers to engage with African narratives on their own terms, challenging the
hegemony of Western discourse and fostering a greater appreciation for diverse cultural
perspectives.

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 Achebe’s narrative also sheds light on the psychological impact of colonization on the
colonized people. The character of Okonkwo embodies the trauma of cultural dislocation and
the existential crisis precipitated by the loss of cultural autonomy. His tragic downfall
symbolizes the disintegration of indigenous identity in the face of colonial hegemony, as he
grapples with a sense of powerlessness and alienation in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart serves as a seminal work in
postcolonial literature, offering a poignant critique of colonialism and its enduring legacy on
African societies. Through a nuanced exploration of cultural clash, identity crisis, and power
dynamics, Achebe invites readers to interrogate the complexities of the colonial encounter
and to confront the lingering effects of imperialism on the collective consciousness. As we
navigate the complexities of a globalized world, Achebe’s masterpiece continues to resonate,
reminding us of the imperative to confront the legacies of the past and to strive for a more
just and equitable future.

Works Cited

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. London: Heinemann, 1958

Boehmer, Elleke. Colonial and Postcolonial Literature. New York: OUP, 1995

O’Reilly, C. Post-colonial Literature. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2001

Salami, Ali. “Things Fall Apart and Chinua Achebe’s Postcolonial Discourse.” International
Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) 2018/19