Social and Political Corruption in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart (1958): A Critical Study

Abstract

This paper studies the idea of the social and political corruption in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart (1958) from a critical view point. It focuses on Okonkow's characterization levels, and highlights the ontological, individualistic, political, and social aspects of the main character's aspects. Achebe's novel is a rich example of the social and political corruption of the tribal system that is built on myths, tribal mentality and physical prowess. Such a masterpiece by the Nigerian Novelist, China Achebe, serves as an authentic representation of a particular time period and setting when Nigeria was under colonial oppression. It is thematically and stylistically rich in colonial accounts of Africa in terms of language use, traditional African lore, and cultural history.