Internal Conflict In Things Fall Apart - 1971 Words

Zacharias Coulis Mr. McB Honors World Lit How and Why Things Fall Apart Rise and fall, highs and lows, peaks and bases. These words can be used to describe a number of things. In history, it can represent times of strength and weakness of a culture, person, empire, or country. Cultures face many obstacles that can lead to success or to their destruction. During the European colonization movement, many cultures were faced with the threat of extinction. When a culture is faced with colonization people’s beliefs, customs, and way of life are challenged. Colonization also brings internal conflict which is used to weaken the old culture and make the implementation of the new culture easier. In the book Things Fall Apart the author, Chinua†¦show more content†¦This quote illustrates the overwhelming experience the Igbo people face when the missionaries settle. It also demonstrates the split of culture and people. This can be seen when it is said that â€Å"Mighty tree branches broke away under them† (Achebe, 56), the tree is the Igbo cul ture and the branches connected are people. The branches breaking represents people accepting the new culture, or like Okonkwo, become consumed by it. When the missionaries do arrive they start to change the culture. They attract followers by offering education and jobs which is seen here, â€Å"A few months in it were enough to make one a court messenger or even a court clerk. Those who stayed longer became teachers and; and from Umuofia laborers went forth into the Lord’s vineyard† (Achebe, 181, 182). This quote references the school the missionaries built and how if Umuofians went to the school they could receive jobs and generate an income. These students received an education based on the ideology of the European people and the beliefs of the Christian church. The school worked to help people understand Christianity and the European culture which resulted in greater support for the Europeans and a bigger influence on the Igbo people and culture. This support gave the missionaries the ability to capture and control Okonkwo and the resisting leaders of Umuofia. On page 196 Achebe shows the European power and writes, â€Å"‘Unless you pay theShow MoreRelated Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart - Internal Conflict Leading to the Downfall in the Ibo Culture757 Words   |  4 PagesIn Chinua Achebe’s 19th century Nigerian novel Things Fall Apart, the Ibo culture has internal problems, which ultimately cause of the downfall of the clan. These problems include a poor social system, superstitious beliefs, and a lack of suitable decision-making. These few problems are essential. One of the flaws inside the Ibo culture that eventually leads to their downfall is the social system. The weaker people join the church as a way to gain acceptance. 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