Western Influence In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

In the novel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo, a self-indulgent individual in respect and authority to his clan, Umoufia is conflicted with a reoccurring outside western influence that poses as a threat against the normality of the custom-based society established within Umoufia in which psychologically effects his consciousness empowered over his fear of weakness; however, Okonkwo’s sense of identity before encountering western influence is to meet the expectations and customs established by the Umoufia clan. The cultural collision between the western influence and the Umoufia clan consequentially results in Okonkwo’s negative responses and violent motives which enforces a precedence of an unfortunate upbringing. Cultural collision is represented by the misinterpretation of individuals effected by the unwillingness to comprehend one’s cultural lifestyle and establishments thus establishes biased perspectives and opinions. …show more content…
As a result, Okonkwo unsheathes a sharp blade infused with the built up tension that is no longer sustainable within a mask hidden from sight as his “true identity” has finally forced itself within its victim. “In a flash Okonkwo drew his machete … Okonkwo stood looking within at the dead man. He knew that Umoufia would not go to war. He knew because they have let the other messengers escape. They had broken into tumult instead of action. He discerned fright in that tumult” (Achebe 205). This shows the culturally conflicted outcome in which Okonkwo takes the life of a missionary in an attempt to guide his people back to the reality that one prospered within Umoufia; however, the mask that has kept his “true identity” hidden from society has revealed an unrecognizable figure showing fear within those who have witnessed its true