Eurocentrism in Christianity
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a compelling inside view of tribal life in Africa. This book tells a quite intriguing story. Through a clever narrative, we see a culture rich in tradition. Achebe seems to wish to rebut a common stereotype that Africa had no culture before the advent of colonialism. Although colonization definitely plays a serious role in the story, much of the book is devoted to culture. Achebe uses Igbo words to describe many things to give a deeper understanding of everyday Igbo life. It is through this enchanting style that Achebe brings out the issues he really wants to communicate. By using symbolism, Achebe informs the reader that a culture filled African life was allowed to be devastated by Euro centrism as a direct result of the passivity of the Igbos to the invasion of Christianity into their society.
Emanuel Egar, in a critical analysis of Things Fall Apart, highlights the root of the decline of African culture.
The Igbo New Yam Festival on Saturday August 30th.
The Igbo New Yam Festival on Saturday August 30th.
English: Chinua Achebe speaking at Asbury Hall, Bu..."By allowing the white man to land on African shores, Africans allowed the white man to impose Christianity... with its craving for right and wrong, its love of truth and beauty - on the African social system" (8). The key word in this phrase is impose. The word choice does not have the pleasant connotations attached to it that one would expect for such a marvelous gift. Obviously, for a westerner to understand how such modern ideas can harm rather than help, there requires a lot of explaining. Therefore, Achebe, who wishes to draw the ordinary reader in to his theme, styles his novel in a format that his arguments will be broadly accepted.
The story form of Achebe's book is the arrangement used to camouflage a heavily charged theme. Without a detailed...
I think...
this is a Great essay! Good vocabulary; shows thoughtful analysis
2 out of 2 people found this comment useful.