Chinua Achebe’s Impact on Postcolonial Literature
Origins of Postcolonial Literature
Chinua Achebe’s Mission
The 20th century witnessed the decline of the British Empire. After World War II, colonies gained independence, leading to a postcolonial era. Former subjects began reassessing their national identity, history, literature, and relationship with the colonizers’ cultural traditions.
The Colonized as “Other”
Colonized populations were often viewed as inferior, existing outside history and civilization. This “othering” relied heavily on racial ideology. Education played a significant role in cultural domination, with colonial education systems prioritizing the colonizer’s language, history, and culture over indigenous knowledge.
Macaulay and Cultural Domination
Historian and politician Baron Macaulay, instrumental in establishing British education in India, became a symbol of cultural imperialism. His advocacy for creating “brown white men” who valued European culture exemplifies this domination.
Commodities and Cultural Superiority
Everyday commodities became symbols of British superiority, representing civilization in the colonies and promoting the idea of Empire back in Britain.
Literature and Eurocentrism
Literature reinforced Eurocentrism and the negative portrayal of colonized peoples. Postcolonial authors sought to “write back,” offering indigenous perspectives.
Things Fall Apart: A Landmark Novel
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1958) is considered a foundational work of postcolonial literature. Achebe showcases the history, culture, and traditions of his ancestors, prioritizing indigenous experience. The novel’s first half vividly depicts tribal life, rituals, and values, using a proverbial style reminiscent of oral tradition. The second half portrays the gradual disintegration of tribal society due to colonization.