How Traditional Culture Contributes to the Success of European Rule in Things Fall Apart

BY ABDULLAHI INUWA

  Apart from the superior military and economic strength of the Europeans, it is not an exaggeration to say that traditional culture also to some extent contributes to the success of European rule in Things Fall Apart. In the light of the evidences found in the novel, this essay will attempt to examine how true this assertion is. A critical study of the novel will reveal many weaknesses of the traditional culture. These weaknesses could be perceived in such areas as religion, politics, and economy, beliefs, values, among others. As expected, these weaknesses become immediate tools in the hands of the Europeans that enable them to “put a knife on the things that (hold the people) together” and establish their rule in the land.
    Let us begin with the political structure of the entire clan. As the novel begins, we are introduced to a rather porous and complex political structure of Umuofia clan which comprises nine autonomous villages. Each village manages its affairs independently. Because of this seemingly confederate political system which is lacking in inter social relationship the Europeans are able to invade the clan and establish their rule. The first port of call is Abame, followed by Mbanta and then Umuofia. Had all the nine villages which make up the clan been united, there is no doubt that the Europeans would not have succeeded. We can then say that this weakness in the traditional political structure contributes to the success of European rule in the novel.
    Another major weakness of the culture can be perceived in their beliefs. It is not an exaggeration to say that the belief system of the people is guided by superstition. These superstitious beliefs lead to discrimination of some members of the community. This can be seen in the way the so- called Ogbanje and Osu are alienated by virtue of their birth and family background. Since the European missionaries are ready to accept them, these outcasts feel obliged to join the new religion. The people refuse to fight since they believe that it is only the efulefu or worthless people that have been misled. What they fail to know is that victory for the church also means victory for the government. This is because there is a sturdy cooperation between the church and the European government. Here, we see how the weakness in the belief system of the traditional culture contributes to the success of European rule.
     Also, because of their superstitious belief in the potency of the so called evil forest and the bad omen believed to be brought by the twins and their mothers, they donate part of the forest to the missionaries to build their church. The missionaries accept this offer in good faith, establish a church and also accommodate not only the twins and their mothers but also the lepers and smallpox victims who were hitherto thrown into the forest to die a gradual death. Unknown to them, the establishment of the church will also mean establishment of the European rule. Not quite long, the Europeans begin to gain both landed property and their people.
     Furthermore, the people’s support for the Europeans can be said to be mainly for economic reason. Earlier in the novel, we are told that Umuofia measures the prowess of a man by his achievements and material wealth. For this reason, the economically deprived people in the society decide to work for the Europeans so that they can as well acquire some wealth that will make them count in the society where poor people are only seen but not heard. Again, we see the weakness in the value system of the people contribute to the success of European rule.
     In conclusion, with the limited space allowed for this write up, this essay has attempted to examine how traditional culture contributes to the success of European rule in Things Fall Apart. It has done this by looking at the weaknesses of the Europeans to establish their rule politically, religiously and economically.

Works Cited:
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. London: Heinemann, 1958.

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