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Essay / The Effects of Colonialism on Igbo Society in Things Fall Apart and The Joys of Motherhood
In their respective works Things Fall Apart and The Joys of Motherhood, Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta depict the effects of colonialism on Igbo society. no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay While Achebe demonstrates the gradual process of colonial imposition, Buchi Emecheta examines its consequences. Nevertheless, Nnu Ego and Okonkwo wage a parallel struggle against the conflicting cultures of Igbo tradition and colonial society. Okonkwo's gradual downfall and Nnu Ego's eventual loneliness are byproducts of these conflicting attitudes. Essentially, they are both slaves to their inherent devotion to tradition. For Okonkwo, colonial imposition undermines all the values and influences that shaped his existence. Analogously, Nnu Ego attempts to realize her traditional goals of motherhood in the midst of the modern, colonized city of Lagos. Both characters inevitably fail as the discord between cultures proves insurmountable. Although colonialism is the main theme of Chinua Achebe's novel, a significant portion of the book is devoted to the establishment of Igbo culture, untouched by Western influences. In his description, he attempts to be an objective historian by describing all aspects of the culture, even those that seem scandalous. For example, twins were considered an abomination in Igbo society and, therefore, were abandoned and killed. However, unlike an ordinary historian or textbook, Achebe incorporates a personal aspect into his stories; it not only describes the actions, but also details the reasoning and values that support them. In effect, the reader is immersed in society rather than simply informed. Although it may be difficult to sympathize with such radical traditions, one can nevertheless sympathize with them after having a clear understanding of their foundations. Achebe's emphasis on the values and beliefs of Igbo society is key to understanding why things are falling apart. The character of Okonkwo embodies these traditions. Thus, its gradual fall parallels the collapse and dissolution of Igbo culture. Achebe realizes that understanding culture itself presupposes understanding its collapse. Having firmly established the social fabric, Achebe describes its encroaching colonization. The first step in imposition is to change the fundamental mentality of the Igbo. In order to act on this deeply rooted state of mind, Christian missionaries attack the foundations of their entire way of life, which is essentially based on their spiritual beliefs. By making them doubt what they have accepted as a spiritual belief, the missionaries gradually gain validity and support among clan members. For example, when the Christian Church survives the infamous Forest of Evil, many long-held superstitions and beliefs are challenged. So things start to fall apart as more and more people convert to Christianity. In other words, everything Okonkwo considers important and true in life is threatened, particularly by the conversion of his own son. Once Christianity became established as a religious influence, other Western institutions such as government were also introduced. Each additional institution brings more restrictions and further demeans the Igbo tradition. Attempts to resist such imposition, such as the burning of the church, begin to have legal consequences under white law. Little time..