Chinua Achebe and Joseph Boyden on The Colonialism Process

The process of colonialism has far-reaching implications, often leading to the eradication of traditional practices and the exploitation of new ones. This phenomenon typically involves the settlement in foreign lands, the introduction of new cultural practices, and the enforcement of religious beliefs. In Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart, the British colonization of Western Nigeria serves as a poignant illustration of the struggle between tradition and modernization. Similarly, Joseph Boyden's The Orenda explores the French colonization of New France, revealing that both acceptance and rejection of change lead to tragic outcomes. Despite the different internal and external conflicts faced by the characters in Achebe’s and Boyden’s works, both authors underscore the inevitability of death in the context of colonialism, regardless of whether one chooses to advocate for, resist, or submit to the imposition of new cultural norms.

Colonialism in Things Fall Apart

In Things Fall Apart, Achebe depicts the process of colonization through the lens of British settlement in Umofia, the introduction of the English language, and the enforcement of Christianity. The arrival of British settlers creates a rift between the indigenous people of Umofia and their new colonizers. A pivotal moment occurs when the head commissioner confronts the clan leaders, stating, “I have brought you here because you joined together to molest others, to burn down people’s houses and their place of worship. That must not happen in the dominion of the queen… I have decided that you will pay a fine of two hundred cowries” (Achebe 194). This interaction highlights the tension between those who resist colonization and those who support it. The indigenous people perceive colonialism as a malevolent force that must be eradicated from their land, while advocates of British rule, such as the head commissioner, believe they bring peace and order to Umofia.

Both Achebe and Boyden illustrate how colonialism compels individuals to confront their beliefs, often leading to dire consequences. In The Orenda, the French Jesuit missionaries embody this conflict. The Jesuits impose their religious beliefs upon the Native populations, creating a stark division between those who embrace change and those who resist it. Crow, a Jesuit character, epitomizes this struggle when he declares, “I will die for [God] if that is what is requested of me” (Boyden 28). His unwavering commitment to his faith ultimately leads to his demise, as he faces the wrath of the Haudenosaunee tribe, who reject his beliefs.

Resistance and Submission: Consequences of Colonialism

Colonialism not only orchestrates the deaths of those who stand firm in their religious beliefs, but it also brings about the downfall of those who struggle with their identities amid these changes. Enoch, a character in Things Fall Apart, exemplifies this internal conflict. He chooses to embrace the British lifestyle, learning English and converting to Christianity, which ultimately alienates him from his community. As Achebe notes, Enoch is “the outsider who [weeps] louder than the bereaved” (Achebe 185). His decision to abandon his ancestral gods leads to tragic consequences, as the Umofian clan retaliates against the church, resulting in Enoch’s death.

In The Orenda, Delilah's experience mirrors Enoch's internal struggle. The Jesuit missionaries promise eternal life to those who convert, leading Delilah to confront her own spiritual beliefs. She ultimately succumbs to the missionaries' influence, despite her fears of isolation in the afterlife. Delilah's internal conflict culminates in her decision to accept Christianity, which results in her untimely death at the hands of Isaac, who believes it is best for her to die in faith (Boyden 462). This tragic turn of events illustrates how colonialism instigates profound internal turmoil, often leading to fatal outcomes.

Resistance and the Inevitable Death

The struggle against colonialism can also lead to death, as seen through the character of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart. His vehement opposition to British colonization is evident during a meeting where he proclaims, “The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers and our clan can no longer act like one” (Achebe 176). Okonkwo's refusal to accept the changes brought by colonialism ultimately leads to his tragic end. His suicide serves as a final act of defiance against a community that has succumbed to the influences of colonial rule.

Contrasting Responses to Colonialism

Both Achebe and Boyden illustrate that the responses to colonialism—whether through resistance or submission—lead to death. Characters like Crow, who reject the opportunity to live due to their faith, and Aaron, who grapples with his identity amidst the pressures of conversion, reflect the complexities of this struggle. Aaron’s internal conflict manifests in his inability to adhere to the strictures of Christian life, ultimately leading him to suicide as he rejects the imposed lifestyle (Boyden 364).

Conclusion

In Things Fall Apart and The Orenda, both Achebe and Boyden demonstrate that colonialism is a destructive force that orchestrates the demise of characters caught in its web. Whether through the unwavering faith of the head commissioner, the internal struggles of Enoch and Delilah, or the tragic resistance of Okonkwo and Aaron, the consequences of colonialism are dire. Ultimately, both authors illustrate that the process of colonialism leads to inevitable death, highlighting the profound impacts of cultural imposition and the complexities of identity in the face of change.

References

• Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Books, 1994.
• Boyden, Joseph. The Orenda. Penguin Canada, 2013.