A Critical Analysis of the Novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe using Historical Approach

Things Fall Apart is the debut novel by Nigerian author China Achebe, set on the pre-colonial life in the southeastern part of Nigeria. In context with African history, the story is loosely based on the gradual takeover of the Europeans during the 1800s. Thus, it includes various references in accordance with historical facts but is not a historical composition. In addition, the social climate during the times may have influenced the author in formulating the flow of the story depicting the different struggles of the people during the ERA. An example is the main character Okonkwo and his journey, which involved the downfall of himself and his village at the hands of Europeans. 

As it occurred during the uprising of Africa’s colonization, a remarkably vital figure involved in the composition is the presence of white missionaries. European missionaries’ liaison is requisite during colonial times, evoking a factual reference regarding historical facts. In addition, tribal figures such as Okonkwo himself reflect Nigerian traditions dating back way before. Consequently, these historical figures held beliefs, especially in religion and traditions: Nigerians involved with primitive and spiritual beliefs in contrast to Europeans more progressive and Christianity-centered convictions. With these, the text encompasses pragmatic treatment of tribal ideologies, as shown in Okonkwo’s various experiences and the credible extent of Christianity’s influential impact considering the state of the religion in history. As a result of clashing ideals, conflicts such as the changes in social and political traditions arose as European standards are little by little invoked in African Culture. Within context, the conflict/s asserted follow historically authentic events in the light of the actual written history of the colonization of Africa, specifically Nigeria. 

As a final note, the text creatively and somewhat accurately tells the readers about the situation Nigerians faced during the colonialism period. It expands deeper on the perspective of the people as to how critical colonialism brought toward African History. The text is a revolutionary piece, encompassing historically accurate elements as references in the sequences of the composition’s plot.