How does the Igbo society fall apart in Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart?

Answer

How does the Igbo society fall apart?

In Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart, Igbo society falls apart due to a combination of internal and external factors.

The arrival of Europeans: The arrival of Europeans in the Igbo society disrupts the traditional way of life, religion, and governance. The Europeans bring their religion, culture, and language, which clash with the existing traditions of the Igbo people. The Europeans introduced a new system of governance, which undermined the traditional authority of the Igbo elders and leaders.

Conversion to Christianity: Some members of the Igbo society, including Okonkwo’s son, convert to Christianity, abandoning their traditional beliefs and practices. This leads to a rift in the community and weakens the social cohesion that once held the society together.

Disintegration of the family unit: Okonkwo’s own family disintegrates due to his actions and beliefs. He treats his wives and children harshly and is unable to adapt to the changing times, which leads to his alienation from his family and community.

Loss of traditional values: The arrival of the Europeans and the conversion to Christianity undermine the traditional values of the Igbo society, including the importance of community, respect for elders, and the role of ancestors in daily life. This loss of values weakens the social fabric of society and leads to a breakdown in trust and mutual support.

In termination, the Igbo society falls apart due to a combination of external pressures from colonialism and internal fractures within the community. The introduction of new religious, legal, and economic systems disrupts the traditional ways of life, while internal divisions prevent a unified response.