A:In Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, the clash between traditional and modern values is explored in an interesting way. This could be seen as a reflection of Nigeria's own struggle during the period of colonization. According to statistics, by 1960 90% of Nigerians were under colonial rule - showing how much their lives had changed in just over 50 years.
The protagonist Okonkwo has been brought up with strong traditional beliefs that are at odds with the new ways being imposed upon him and his people. He struggles to accept this change, trying desperately to stick to old traditions despite all around him changing rapidly and drastically. His journey reflects those of many other characters who have found themselves facing difficult decisions regarding tradition versus progress.
Achebe uses several literary devices throughout the book such as symbolism and imagery to illustrate the conflict between these two sets of values which can cause so much tension within society when they collide. For example, there is a scene where Okonkwo breaks down after seeing a young boy killing a sacred python - something he would never have done before but was now part of life in Umuofia due to the influence of missionaries from abroad. The reader can see how hard it must be for someone like Okonkwo whose entire life is based on upholding tradition, to come face-to-face with something so contrary to what he believes in and holds dear.
It is clear that Achebe wanted readers not only to understand but also sympathize with those caught in between two worlds and struggling to find somewhere comfortable enough for them. In doing so, we learn about our own realities and think more deeply about how different cultures interact - something still very relevant today no matter what context you look at it through.