Introduction
Chinua Achebe issued his first book Things Fall Apart in 1958. Due to the European stories that Africans as savages by Europeans; thus, they needed to be enlightened by Europeans, this act forced Achebe to write the novel in their response. Achebe presents imperfections and strength to the reader. To the history of his people by describing illustration like the worship of their gods, ritual ceremonies that were practiced, Igbo festivals social and other rich culture that was practiced, colonial that brought some benefits to the culture and the era that was stopping Igbo culture. Things Fall Apart directs European novels by misleading, depicting savages on Africans into whole original light with its exposé of Igbo society. It also examines European colonialism its effects on Igbo from the perceptive of Africans. Thus this essay is trying to give the insight of post and pre colonialism on Igbo culture. It describes how Okonkwo's village resembled and the role of Okwonko before the arrival of the British. It shows how the interaction between Igbo people and Whites had their effects. Finally, Okwonko's final act in the context of British colonialism has been discussed.
Okonkowos village was called Iguedo, where polygamy was highly practiced. They believed that "real" men had to marry two or more wives (Gosslin). The women accepted the ritual since they were aware of the practice. Iguedo culture practiced the religion that allowed them to kill persons or children since it was expected, as long the killing was following the faith's reasons. For example, when twins are born in the village, they should be killed since they presented the devil's work as a sign of peace offerings young boys were sacrificed. Okwonkos being a leader of the Igbo community, ensures there no lazy debtors and men who are weak like his father. He does not tolerate idleness and gentleness in his village. He defends the Igbo people.
The effects brought by the British were like the introduction of Christianity to Iguedo village, with positive impact since they learned new beliefs and differentiated what was wrong and right per their ideas. (Ojukwu & Eunice, 1-13) The British had negative impacts like the expansion of the reign of government all over Igbo village. Igbo people were brought to white courts to be oppressed. In the court, the Judge was not neutral since he would never bother about the cases and would not listen to both Igbo people and whites' arguments and make the right decision. We cannot hurt you' later, district commissioner told,' if you reach a decision to work together with us,' Okwonko abandons the Christianity introduced by British; he does by committing suicide which is against Christianity values. (Ojukwu & Eunice, 1-13) Okonkwo is tired of white missionaries with how they have exercised their powers of the authority of how they have claimed over the village. For example, he shoots up a white messenger by the missionaries to break the meeting Igbo people had held.
Okwonkos death is the first tragedy following an unsanctioned violent outburst in which he executes European envoy that was sent to stop meeting between clan leaders. After Okwonko realizes that they cannot applauds his action, and decides to go along with the Europeans. Okonkwo comes back to his compound and decides to hang himself. With the act of Okwonko hanging himself, he lives to his expectations as dying like a tragic hero who fought for society till his death. (Gosselin) Igbo community considers suicide as "feminine" rather than "masculine. Okwonkos suicide act is unspeakable since it strips him of all the honor he had, and he cannot receive the decent burial. He deceases as an outcast expatriate from the culture he struggled to shield.
Conclusion
Things Fall Apart pacts how reality and the prospect of change affect various characters (Gossling). A good illustration is where Okwonko tries to resist religious and new political orders since he feels he will not be manly if he continues and tolerates them. Okonkwo resists cultural change because he foresees losing his societal status. The system of assessing self inspires some of the fraternity exiles to embrace Christianity.
