Identity In Fuller And Achebe's Things Fall Apart

One's identity is defined as an establishment within a society, an establishment highly susceptible to change. Certain identities depend on cultural heritage as well as, surrounding influences that conclusively represent how comfortable one feels about themselves. In both novels, Things Fall Apart and Don’t Let’s go to the Dogs tonight, identity is illustrated as a major theme within the ever changing African Culture. Although both Achebe and Fuller depict a transitioning culture, Okonkwo and Fuller deal with their sense of identity in each novel differently, gradually resulting in a stronger self identity for Fuller and a lost identity for Okonkwo. Achebe crafts the identity of Okonkwo to be strong in the beginning due to his achievements …show more content…
Bobo’s identity is shaped by external forces such as her family, political and government influences, and the turmoil taking place in Africa. Accordingly, constantly being surrounded by stereotypes, Bobo feels, “ my God, I am the wrong color.” (Fuller 10). Due to Bobo’s English heritage, she has trouble adapting to the African norms and fitting in with the other children, as they are not the same color as her. However, whites are still considered superior, which Bobo recognizes as she wishes to, “be in charge of the muntus and show them how to farm properly”,when she grows up (103). Highlighting the the superiority the white people possessed in Africa, Fuller details the prejudice that existed at the time. Bobo feels that the Muntus do not have adequate farming skills, which she then uses to judge them. In turn, she knows white people are superior, yet has trouble understanding why she receives such entitlement. These preconceptions along with fitting into schools with native Africans, give Bobo a lost sense of identity, which she is able to manage throughout the novel. Moreover, when the Muntus take over government; this puts the Fuller family through hardships, as they need to move and relocate farms multiple times. Albeit, Bobo deals with the situation, growing her identity and maturity throughout the process. One day Bobo accidentally hits a boy on her motor bike and concerningly says, “I am so sorry...I didn't see him. Is he okay?”, rather than reacting in a privileged way (Fuller 233). Bobo stresses her remorse for the boy, but is ultimately apologetic for acting in a dominant way in the past, with the thought that she could ever be in charge of these people (The Muntus). In hope that she can forgive herself for her previous