Theme Of Colonialism In Things Fall Apart

1122 Words5 Pages
In his novel, Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe depicts the bleak decline of African strength under colonial oppression through the story of Umuofia, a land that experiences the detrimental impact of European colonists. In order to demonstrate the steady suppression of the Africans through the arrival of the Europeans, Achebe creates the allegory of the locusts, which descend upon the land and consume everything in their path. Though the Umuofians initially celebrate the locusts and welcome them to their land, it does not take long for the locust’s destructive nature to emerge. The seemingly harmless arrival of the locust represents the missionaries who, under the guise of religion, serve as the harbingers of colonialism. The minute collection…show more content…
In fact, it does not take long for the missionaries begin converting eager Umuofians to Christianity. Achebe writes that not long after the arrival of the missionary, Mr. Brown, “he won his first three converts”(105). Amongst this group is Okonkwo, the protagonist’s, son Nwoye. Nwoye is enamoured by the stories and psalms of the missionaries, and celebrates their teachings. Achebe writes that “Nwoye had been attracted to the new faith since the first day.”(106). Many Umuofians are eager to welcome to missionaries, and willingly join their faith. Their welcoming of the colonists is foreshadowed in the celebration of the locusts. When the locusts arrive, the colonists cheer and rejoice, however they do not comprehend the danger that is yet to arrive, as the locusts devour their crops and consume their land. Similarly, the emergence of the missionaries is exalted by many, yet the ruinous outcome of the locusts indicate the dangerous nature of the impending…show more content…
As the emergence of peaceful missionaries successfully dispelle the African religion, colonial power grows until it supersedes the government and court system. Colonists are able to quickly assume authority over the Umuofians and silence their leaders. Though they are initially welcome, the colonists become a dangerous and dominating force that consumes all of Umuofia. Achebe foreshadows the harmful repercussions of the colonists arrival through the microcosm of the locusts, who descend upon the land and fervently devour the crops. Ultimately, Achebe uses the symbol of the locusts in order to create a religious parallel to the Christian colonists. By depicting them as locusts, Achebe draws a comparison to the plague the descends upon
Show More
Related

  • Things Fall Apart Novel Analysis

    1805 Words  | 8 Pages

    spans the succession of cultural clashes and political crises which have beset the continent. For the countries in Africa, the experience of colonialism plays an important role in the process of understanding their history. Postcolonial studies critically analyze the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized, which is based on basically two things – knowledge and power. Nigerian author Chinua Achebe once wrote that the time and place in which he was raised was “a strongly multiethnic, multilingual

    Read More

  • Things Fall Apart Feminist Analysis

    1718 Words  | 7 Pages

    In Things Fall Apart, the condition of women was unimaginable they were colonized by their society, family and culture, it seems like they have no motif in life rather than serving family and they have no idea of their right as they were not educated and were not

    Read More

  • Cultural Conflict Analysis

    871 Words  | 4 Pages

    conflict. These happenings made tension between India and Pakistan. Today, apart from the significant economic progress. India is still facing tremendous problems like poverty, environmental pollution, over population as well as ethnic and religious conflicts between Hindus and Muslims. Post–colonial novel leaks the themes of Diaspora and transculturalism. The most increasing and interesting topics rely on the post colonialism period. Diaspora is generally violent and necessary migration of peoples

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Banning Books

    1032 Words  | 5 Pages

    As Humans we are constantly searching. Searching for a purpose, a reason, adventure, or even a friend. Searching for a story that might not end the way you wanted, or a character that you relate to more on a personal level, then any one you might have met in your life. On this Earth, there are 129 million books published. 129 million chances to find your purpose or adventure. Books such as “To Kill a Mocking Bird” by Harper Lee or “Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkein to “Perks of being a Wallflower”

    Read More

More about Theme Of Colonialism In Things Fall Apart

Open Document