Introduction to Things Fall Apart

Introduction to Things Fall Apart

Historical and Cultural Background of Nigeria as Introduction to Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) is one of the most influential novels in African literature, offering a profound exploration of the cultural, social, and historical realities of pre-colonial Nigeria and the devastating effects of colonial rule. Set in the late 19th century, the novel portrays the life of Okonkwo, a respected Igbo warrior, as his society undergoes drastic changes due to the arrival of European missionaries and colonial administrators. Through the fall of Okonkwo, Achebe presents a larger narrative about the destruction of indigenous traditions and the complexities of cultural identity in the face of colonial intrusion.

Before the arrival of European colonizers, Nigeria was home to a rich diversity of ethnic groups, with the Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa-Fulani being the dominant ones. The Igbo people, who are the focus of Things Fall Apart, lived in autonomous villages governed by a system of elders and spiritual beliefs. Their society was structured around agriculture, trade, kinship ties, and a deep reverence for ancestral traditions and deities. Religious practices involved worshiping various gods, consulting oracles, and upholding justice through a council of elders.

Economically, the Igbo relied on yam cultivation, which symbolized wealth and masculinity. Social status was not inherited but earned through personal achievements, such as wrestling victories, farming success, and contributions to the community. This meritocratic system defined masculinity and leadership, shaping the ambitions of figures like Okonkwo.

However, despite their structured society, the Igbo, like many African communities, lacked a centralized government, which made them vulnerable to European colonization. The British took advantage of this, implementing indirect rule and gradually dismantling indigenous structures.

Colonial Intrusion and Its Impact

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw increased European intervention in Africa under the pretext of the “civilizing mission.” British colonial rule in Nigeria intensified after the Berlin Conference (1884–85), which divided Africa among European powers. Christian missionaries arrived first, introducing Western religion, education, and values that conflicted with traditional Igbo beliefs.

In Things Fall Apart, the arrival of the Europeans is symbolized by the establishment of Christian missions, courts, and a colonial administration that undermines the existing Igbo order. The missionaries’ rejection of Igbo gods and customs leads to divisions within the society, as some members, like Okonkwo’s son Nwoye, convert to Christianity. This religious conversion weakens traditional authority and creates internal conflicts, making it easier for the British to impose their rule.

Colonialism also introduced new legal systems that replaced indigenous justice mechanisms. Crimes that were once resolved by elders and spiritual authorities were now judged in colonial courts, often with punishments that ignored Igbo customs. This loss of autonomy, coupled with economic and political subjugation, led to the gradual erosion of Igbo identity and self-governance.

Conclusion

Achebe’s Things Fall Apart serves as both a historical record and a critique of colonialism’s impact on indigenous cultures. By illustrating the downfall of Okonkwo and his society, Achebe highlights the complexities of cultural change, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the psychological effects of colonial rule. The novel remains a vital text for understanding Africa’s colonial past and the struggles of postcolonial identity.

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