Things Fall Apart by Chinua

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a compelling story of imperialism in Africa and how it tears the native people apart. The story was important to read because it shows just how English rule affected the Africans, and how their world literally "fell apart" as the white man took over their land and their culture. The story is a sad one, and it makes the reader think about their culture, and how hard it would be to give it up or lose it to another country's aggression. The story was written in the 1970s, and takes place in what is now Nigeria. It is a poignant story filled with the folklore of the native people, their love for the natural world, and a look at how they still lived simple, uncomplicated lives that did not need interference with the white man. The author uses metaphors to show the people's familiarity with their land: "Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too. If one says no to the other, let his wing break" (Achebe). Later, another character, Uchendu, says, "The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others. We have albinos among us. Do you not think that they came by mistake, that they have strayed from their way to a land where everybody is like them?" (Achebe). This was especially important to the reading because it also showed that the natives wanted to get along with the whites, but the whites were far less interested in getting along with the natives - they simply wanted to dominate and control them.