American Imperialism In Things Fall Apart

On the African continent, a long stretch of its modern history is plagued by European imperialism. Such that it has been the backdrop of many famous works of literature. Among them, two Nigerian authors: Wole Soyinka and his play, Death and the King’s Horsemen; and Chinua Achebe with his novel, Things Fall Apart. The two African natives tell stories of cultures clashing and the respective men in the midst of that clash. Honor becomes a major role in the mediums and is largely the impetus for both stories’ plot. Honor is a central theme in both mediums and the role creates a point of comparison and contrast among the pages of Soyinka’s and Achebe’s works before and after the intervention of the British. Honor is an important piece of who …show more content…
This is where both authors introduce the British imperialist aspect of their history. One that plagues the honors of both men as the plots unravel further, and as Achebe’s title implies, things begin to fall apart for them. The British bring about their own set of beliefs, clashing with those of the Igbo and Yoruba people. Christianity and the western way of life, comes face to face with the rituals, gods, beliefs and acts of the Nigerian tribes. It is no wonder that as honor revolves around those same things that it begins to diminish for both Okonkwo and Elesin. It is stated by Elesin that, “...Life is honor. It ends when honor ends.” (Soyinka, 15) Indeed, this quote can later be interpreted in a different way than intended by Elesin and it’s message can also extend to Okonkwo as well. Neither of the men are joyous of the British presence, Okonkwo going as far as trying to take them to war, attempting to rally his remaining tribe members to take them on. Although Okonkwo’s own actions bring about the slow fade of his honor (exiled for an accidental killing), it is really the British that cause him to truly fall apart, much like Elesin who is troubled by the fact that the British do not approve of the ritual about to be performed. In an argument between Olunde and Jane Pilkings, it stated by the latter that, “Life should never be thrown deliberately away.” (Soyinka, 51) In fact, unlike Okonkwo who brings down his honor almost entirely through his own actions, it can be argued that Elesin was prevented and arrested for attempting the ritual that would have topped off his honor. Okonkwo, however, and his excessive pride and fear of embarrassment in the face of the British conflict cause him to make decisions that ultimately lead him to his demise. He displays violence, anger, and a drive for revenge, while the people around Elesin dishonor him for not doing enough, Iyaloja even