Analyzing the Inevitability of the Plot of Things Fall Apart Through the Post Colonial Perspective

Abstract

Based on the description of Igbo culture in Things Fall Apart, the father of African literature Chinua Achebe’s work, this article analyzes the cultural characteristics of Igbo society and the inevitability of the development of the plot of novels under specific social contexts. It also provides a discussion of the complexities of the characterization of the main character, Okonkwo, including the symbolism and deliberation that the author assigns to him. Finally, we conclude that Achebe’s attempt on overturning Western-centrism is not only for changing Europeans’ attitude, but also for correcting his compatriots’ recognition.