Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Seminar Paper
Seminar Paper
Department of English
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Content
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Work cited
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. London: Heinemann, 1958
Boehmer, Elleke. Colonial and Postcolonial Literature. New York: OUP, 1995
Salami, Ali. “Things Fall Apart and Chinua Achebe’s Postcolonial Discourse.” International
Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL) 2018/19