European Imperialism In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, highlights the effects of European imperialism in African society. White missionaries, Europeans, exposed the Ibo people to new ways of life. However, Okonkwo, the African leader, mourned the aggressive, yet subtle change. The imperialists infringed on the Ibo identity and way of life. Achebe characterizes European imperialism and its effects on African society through the lens of religion. European imperialists proclaimed their religion as superior to the Ibo gods. Monotheist imperialists were in direct conflict with the polytheistic Ibo’s. After the harvest, the white man proclaimed, “this new God, the Creator of all the world and all the men and women” (Achebe 145). Imperialism is characterized as bold and unstoppable in the nature flow of what another’s culture believes. As the white man shares a monotheistic religion, he points out that the natural materials …show more content…
While that shows positive imperialism, it radically altered culture. Imperialism brought order and value but it also ripped cultures and tore apart families. For example, Nwoye was puzzled by the Ibo practices of killing twins. Therefore, he found relief in the value of life from Europeans. On the other hand, Okonkwo mourned at the loss of his culture to the European dominance. Achebe and readers recognize the advancements that the Europeans brought to the Ibo people, however, one also notices the aggressive nature of the Europeans that, perhaps even subconsciously, radically changed the Ibo people forever. Achebe, throughout Things Fall Apart, understood and depicted white missionaries that built up and tore down the Ibo identity. The Europeans rushed in a new religion that altered Ibo life, in positive and negative aspects. Achebe characterizes European imperialism and its effects on African society through the lens of