POSTCOLONIAL THEMES IN THE WORKS OF CHINUA ACHEBE

Abstract

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) is a foundational text in postcolonial literature, offering a profound exploration of the impacts of colonialism on indigenous African societies. Through the narrative of Okonkwo, a respected Igbo leader, Achebe delves into the complexities of cultural identity, resistance, and transformation in the face of European colonization. The novel critiques the imposition of foreign values and systems, highlighting the resulting disintegration of traditional structures and the ensuing identity crises within the Igbo community. Achebe's strategic use of the English language, interwoven with Igbo proverbs and idioms, serves as a subversive tool to reclaim narrative authority and assert African perspectives. Things Fall Apart not only challenges colonial narratives but also underscores the resilience and agency of African societies amidst cultural upheaval.