Topic > The effects of colonialism on Igbo society in Things Fall Apart and The Joys of Motherhood

In their respective works Things Fall Apart and The Joys of Motherhood, both Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta describe the effects of colonialism on Igbo society.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay While Achebe shows the gradual process of colonial imposition, Buchi Emecheta examines its consequences. However, Nnu Ego and Okonkwo endure a parallel struggle with the contrasting cultures of Igbo tradition and colonial society. Okonkwo's gradual downfall and Nnu Ego's eventual loneliness are byproducts of these conflicting attitudes. Essentially, both are slaves to their inherent devotion to tradition. For Okonkwo, colonial imposition undermines every value and influence that has shaped his existence. Similarly, Nnu Ego attempts to realize her traditional goals of motherhood in the modern, colonized city of Lagos. Both characters inevitably fail as the discord between the cultures proves insurmountable. Although colonialism is the main focus of Chinua Achebe's novel, a significant portion of the book is devoted to the creation of Igbo culture, untouched by Western influences. In his description, he tries to be an objective historian as he relates all aspects of culture, even those that seem outrageous. For example, twins were seen as an abomination in Igbo society and, as a result, were abandoned and killed. However, unlike a common historian or textbook, Achebe incorporates a personal aspect into his accounts; it not only describes the actions, but also details the reasons and values ​​that support them. Indeed, the reader is immersed in society rather than simply informed. While it may be difficult to empathize with such radical traditions, it is nevertheless possible to sympathize with them after thoroughly understanding their foundations. Achebe's emphasis on the values ​​and beliefs of Igbo society is essential to recognizing why things fall apart. The character of Okonkwo embodies these traditions. Therefore, its gradual fall parallels the collapse and dissolution of Igbo culture. Achebe realizes that understanding culture itself presupposes understanding its collapse. Having firmly established the fabric of society, Achebe describes its encroaching colonization. The main step of imposition is to change the fundamental Igbo mentality. To affect this deeply rooted state of mind, Christian missionaries attack the foundation of their entire way of life, which is essentially based on their spiritual beliefs. By making them question what they have accepted as spiritual beliefs, missionaries gradually gain validity and support among clan members. For example, when the Christian church survives the infamous Wicked Forest, many long-held superstitions and beliefs are called into question. Therefore, things begin to fall apart as more and more people convert to Christianity. In other words, everything Okonkwo holds to be important and true in life is threatened most of all by his son's conversion. After Christianity establishes itself as a religious influence, other Western institutions such as government are also introduced. Each additional institution brings with it further restrictions and further diminishes the Igbo tradition. Attempts to resist such imposition, such as the burning of the church, begin to have legal consequences under white law. Shortly thereafter, clan members were even denied the right to assemble. Ultimately, resistance proves futile. Despite the..