9. Sample Response (Top Grade)
Question:
How does Achebe present the conflict between tradition and change in Things Fall Apart*?*
In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe powerfully explores the conflict between tradition and change by portraying a society on the brink of collapse. Through his detailed depiction of Igbo customs, the arrival of colonialism, and the personal tragedy of Okonkwo, Achebe shows how external and internal pressures tear apart a once-cohesive community. His narrative presents change not only as inevitable but also as destructive when imposed without understanding.
Achebe initially presents Igbo society as rich and deeply rooted in tradition. The detailed descriptions of rituals, farming practices, and the importance of yams highlight the community’s respect for hard work, religion, and social order. For example, the Feast of the New Yam and the reverence for the Oracle show a harmonious balance between daily life and spiritual beliefs. Achebe’s use of Igbo proverbs, such as “proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten,” emphasizes the importance of tradition in maintaining social cohesion and passing wisdom across generations. This vibrant world is shown to be self-sufficient, complex, and worthy of respect.
However, Achebe shows that change begins to disrupt this order through the arrival of the British missionaries and colonial administration. At first, the white men are seen as a curiosity, but they quickly establish churches and courts that undermine traditional authority. Characters like Nwoye, who joins the Christian missionaries, represent the younger generation’s shift away from ancestral customs. Achebe uses symbolism — particularly the image of locusts — to foreshadow this change: locusts, harmless at first, eventually strip the land bare, just as colonialism devastates Igbo society. The metaphor stresses the speed and inevitability of cultural disintegration once foreign influence takes root.
Okonkwo embodies the personal conflict between tradition and change. Fiercely committed to traditional ideas of masculinity, honor, and strength, he sees compromise as weakness. His rigid mindset makes him unable to adapt to the changing world. Achebe uses fire as a recurring symbol for Okonkwo — a destructive force that ultimately consumes itself. His final act of suicide, described in tragic and ironic terms, signifies both his personal failure and the larger downfall of his society. Through Okonkwo, Achebe suggests that while tradition gives identity and structure, an inability to adapt can lead to ruin.
Ultimately, Achebe presents tradition as a vital part of personal and cultural identity, but he also acknowledges that societies must evolve. Change is portrayed not simply as progress, but as a force that can destroy when it dismisses and disrespects existing ways of life. Through vivid imagery, character development, and symbolic storytelling, Achebe offers a nuanced exploration of how tradition and change clash — and how, when poorly handled, the consequences are tragic and irreversible.
🏆 Why This is a Strong Model Response
| Element | Why It’s Effective |
| AO1 (Understanding) | Thorough knowledge of plot, characters, and themes clearly linked to the question. |
| AO2 (Language/Structure) | Detailed analysis of Achebe’s techniques: symbolism (locusts, fire), proverbs, irony. |
| AO3 (Context) | Knowledge of Igbo culture, colonial history, and why these matter in the story. |
| Quotes | Short, well-embedded quotes used to support points without overloading. |
| Structure | Logical flow: tradition established → change arrives → Okonkwo’s conflict → overall conclusion. |
| Critical Insight | Recognizes complexity: tradition is valuable, but rigidity can also cause downfall. |
✅ This would easily land in the highest mark band for Edexcel!