Reimagining Cultural Diversity, Identity, and...

Reimagining Cultural Diversity, Identity, and Religious Conflict in Chinua Achebe’s "Things Fall Apart" and "No Longer at Ease": A Contemporary Perspective

Author Name : Rijesh Thomas

ABSTRACT Chinua Achebe's seminal works, "Things Fall Apart" and "No Longer at Ease," continue to captivate readers with their profound exploration of cultural diversity, identity, and the clash of religions. However, a contemporary lens invites a re-examination of these themes, shedding light on new dimensions and perspectives within Achebe's narratives. "Things Fall Apart" serves as a compelling portrayal of pre-colonial Igbo society, where the arrival of European colonizers disrupts traditional ways of life and indigenous belief systems. Through the tragic tale of Okonkwo, Achebe unveils the complexities of cultural collision, highlighting the erosion of indigenous knowledge and the imposition of Western ideologies. However, contemporary discourse prompts a deeper interrogation of power dynamics and agency within colonial encounters, foregrounding the agency of marginalized voices silenced by dominant historical narratives. By amplifying the perspectives of female characters and marginalized communities, readers gain insight into the multiplicity of experiences that shape the narrative landscape, challenging monolithic representations of cultural resistance and resilience.