'Chike's School Days' and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Sample Solution

Chike's School Days vs. Things Fall Apart: A Tale of Two Eras

Chinua Achebe's "Chike's School Days" and "Things Fall Apart" offer a poignant exploration of colonialism's impact on Nigerian society. While set in different eras, both stories paint a vivid picture of the disruption and conflict caused by Western influences.

Effects of Westernization on Characters:

• Chike's School Days: Chike, the young protagonist, experiences an internal struggle. He grapples with the allure of Western education and his loyalty to Igbo traditions. The story showcases the psychological strain of cultural displacement as Chike is punished for speaking Igbo and ridiculed for his traditional attire.

• Things Fall Apart: Okonkwo, the Igbo warrior, embodies the clash between tradition and modernity. He fiercely resists the changes brought by the British missionaries, leading to his tragic downfall. Achebe portrays the loss of cultural identity through Okonkwo's inability to reconcile his traditional values with the imposed Western system.

Tone and Colonial Critique:

• Chike's School Days: Achebe uses a more subtle approach, employing irony and satire. For instance, the emphasis on English names and the portrayal of the "civilized" European lifestyle highlight the underlying devaluation of Igbo culture.

• Things Fall Apart: Here, Achebe's tone is more critical. He exposes the hypocrisy of the missionaries who preach Christianity while disregarding Igbo customs and beliefs. The portrayal of the erosion of Igbo authority through the imposition of British laws reflects a strong condemnation of colonialism.

Full Answer Section

• The introduction of Western education and religion led to a decline in traditional practices and beliefs.
• Colonial laws replaced customary law, disrupting traditional governance structures.
• The emphasis on English threatened the survival of indigenous languages.

• Efforts to preserve Nigerian cultural heritage include:
  • Revival of traditional languages: Programs promoting the teaching and use of indigenous languages in schools and communities.
  • Focus on traditional arts and crafts: Encouragement of local artists and artisans to keep their traditions alive.
  • Documentation of oral traditions: Recording and preserving stories, songs, and proverbs passed down through generations.