A Comparative Analysis of Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart"and "No Longer at Ease”: Exploring the tension between Tradition and Modernity in Nigeria.

Abstract

Thematic and Stylistic similarities and differences between Chinua Achebe's novels "Things Fall Apart "(1958) and "No Longer at Ease" (1960) have been the key domains subjected to the comparative analysis.

The transformative and rampant repercussions pervaded through Nigeria insinuated by Colonialism have been explicitly scrutinized by these novels.These two novels viz., “Things Fall Apart” (1958) and “No Longer at Ease” (1960) out rightly spotlight the discrepancy and incongruity between Western hegemonic norms and African traditional culture.

The characters' dilemma triggered by ambivalence towards imposed values in both novels Things Fall Apart (1958) and No Longer at Ease (1960) depicts a potentially murky and absurd picture.

Unrestrained ambivalence on part the characters in an already endangered culture depicts the deplorable downfall of Okonkwo being a traditional conservative Igbo czar.

On the other hand, Obi Okonkwo, a modernized Nigerian, a key character of “No Longer at Ease” grapples with the scourge of corruption, desensitization, and cultural recognition.

More importantly,we can come across with three indispensable issues viz.,the intricate nature of cultural identity, colonialism,and the debilitating repercussions afflicted by the process of modernization after observing through critical lense.

Comparatively, No Longer at Ease exhibits conspicuously and usually in an ostentatious manner a more nuanced and vivid imagery of modernity armed tooth-and-nail highlight the associated challenges of enculturation and identity recognition.

This comparative study brings forth Achebe's refined understanding of the lurking intricacies of Nigerian society and its culture, enriching our unequivocal understanding of the rampant and pervasive legacies afflicted by both colonialism and Modernization.