Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart as a Postcolonial novel

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart is indeed considered a Postcolonial novel. To understand why, let's first clarify what "Postcolonial" means in the context of literature.

Postcolonial literature refers to works of fiction, poetry, and other forms of writing that emerged in response to the impact and legacy of colonialism. These literary works examine the effects of colonial domination, the struggle for identity, and the representation of the colonized people.

Now, to make the case for Things Fall Apart being a Postcolonial novel, we need to consider:

1. Setting: The novel is set in Nigeria during the late 19th century, a period when Nigeria was under British colonial rule. It explores the clash between the Igbo people's traditional culture and the imposition of British colonialism.

2. Perspective: Achebe tells the story from an African perspective, presenting an alternative viewpoint to the dominant colonial narratives. He challenges the traditional portrayal of Africans as primitive or uncivilized by giving voice and agency to the Igbo people.

3. Cultural Collision: Things Fall Apart focuses on the collision between the Igbo culture and the encroaching Western culture. It portrays the disruption and destruction caused by colonialism, including the erosion of traditional values, beliefs, and social structures.

4. Resistance and Identity: The novel depicts the struggle of the protagonist, Okonkwo, and his community to navigate the changes brought by colonialism while maintaining their identity and values. Achebe explores the complexities of cultural hybridity and the resistance against the dominance of the colonial powers.

Overall, Things Fall Apart engages with the themes and concerns central to Postcolonial literature. It critiques colonialism, challenges Eurocentric perspectives, and highlights the resilience and agency of colonized peoples. It is considered a seminal work in the Postcolonial literary canon, as it explores the aftermath and consequences of colonialism on African societies.