Analysis Of Death's Horseman

Colonialism in the eyes of the many Africans have been seen as a wretched, forceful and brutal integration into their lives, lands, and culture. During the late 17th and 18th century, European imperialist countries pursued lands to the ends such to be seen as a powerful country. Africa was seen as a popular option, as massive numbers of white colonists poured into the untapped and pristine, yet unprepared country. However, this aggression and unadulterated speed severely punished its very own inhabitants. These “liberators” thought that these African natives were uneducated and thought they brought light to this new world. Few of the colonists had attempted to remotely understand the nature of the culture around them, but overwhelmingly imposed …show more content…
It is a story that entails great emphasis in the metaphysical, rituals, and festivals. The traditions are considered above all else in the community. It is the ritual in which the horseman has the obligation to follow the king to the afterlife(suicide) that was crucial for the sake of the community to maintain unity and balance of the earth to prevent the curse of the king. However, because of the preventative measures taken place by the British authorities such as Simon Pilkings, the ritual was not able to be fulfilled. As a result, the reflected anger and disappointment was duly reflected in the voice of a Praise-Singer “Our world is tumbling in the void of strangers”(Soyinka 62). The colonial officials should not have had any obligation to act upon the tribal rituals because it does not directly affect them in anyway. In essence, they are messing with something they do not understand. Even more so, the insensitivity of the Pilkings and others involved in colonialist policing unsparingly attack those rituals not familiar to them, seeing them as barbaric customs. On the other hand, Amusa, a Muslim native administrative policeman, openly understood that these issues and rituals are not to be consecrated. Without them, the unity of the native peoples would be greatly weakened in the wake of their lost heritage that bonds them together so …show more content…
Things Fall Apart illustrates communal disintegration as a result of a quickly growing opportunistic culture. The colonial Christian missionaries initially drew converts from the lower rankings of the clan and began to convert more and more higher ranking clan members. Notably, an elder claims “I fear for you young people because you do not understand how strong is the bond of kinship”(Achebe 96). He argues that the weakening importance of kinsmanship has allowed “an abominable religion” to settle among the clan (Achebe 96). Familial peace was progressively threatened, overshadowing the Christian conversion of Nwoye, the son of Okonkwo. This grew increasingly problematic as confrontations occur between villagers and devout Christians. Without the cultural bondage of the community and the lack of tolerance of either side, there was no room but conflict to arise. The turning point began with the killing of the royal python by converts. Considered the most revered of animals, this was a heinous act of disrespect that stems from their hatred for one another. Following was the unmasking of an egwugwu member during the ceremony; this event was equivalent to the killing of an Igbo god. These despicable events signal the disintegration of the community as a whole, severely weakened and punished by the