Context in Things Fall Apart


Why would Achebe choose to set his novel prior to and during the arrival of the colonial administration as opposed to during the context of composition?



Things fall apart, a novel written by Chinua Achebe was published in 1958 ( two years before Nigeria gained independence) and discusses the chronicles prior to pre-colonial life in Nigeria and the arrival of the Europeans during the late nineteenth century. Achebe being born and raised during the time of British colonial rule however decided to illustrate his vision by showing readers the Igbo society of Nigeria during the time of its colonisation by the British as opposed to reiterating what life was like during colonial rule. The context which Achebe chose to write in was an important factor in Things Fall Apart because it allowed readers to view African culture and colonisation from a different perspective.


Due to Achebe’s exposure to english and European customs have enabled him to capture the European and African perspective on colonisation however Achebe’s novel flipped the head on the European’s common insinuations on native Africans. He tries to portray the complexity, advanced social norms and laws within the Igbo culture prior to its appropriation of Europeans to show that Africans were more civilised and less primitive as literary works at that time made out Africans to be. He wanted to portray the Africans as a better race and to show that the portrayal of African culture by white men were simply misconceptions. His decision to set his novel during the colonisation of Nigeria was an important one because it allowed him to respond to early colonial rule. It also serves has method of revolution; to gain independence in Nigeria. Unlike other African authors, Achebe uses english as his form of resistance towards colonisation, to remove the power of the oppressors with language.


Another reason why Achebe chose to write in english and to set his novel in this time period is to expose his ideas to a wider audience and for people to understand the true nature of African culture and to steer away from its common depiction. In addition, viewing the early colonisation from a historical standpoint, with a transition from a non-colonial society to the conquering of one, shows readers the drastic change which occured through a novel perspective to entertain readers but to also get a message across. Furthermore, Achebe is exploring and presenting his identity through his ancestors which is also provides a stronger sense of connection for himself.


Achebe’s choice of context through a historical and cultural perspective was important to not only show readers the true image of colonial rule but to also feel connected to his ancestry and to use this as a driving force to achieve freedom.

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