5. Sample Essay Response:
Question:
“How does Achebe present the clash between tradition and change in Things Fall Apart?”
Introduction:
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart explores the devastating clash between traditional Igbo society and the forces of colonial change. Through characters like Okonkwo, Nwoye, and the white missionaries, Achebe demonstrates how cultural disruption leads to personal tragedy and societal collapse. The novel serves as a powerful commentary on the vulnerability of indigenous traditions when faced with foreign domination.
Body Paragraph 1: Okonkwo as Symbol of Tradition Okonkwo’s identity is deeply tied to Igbo traditions, and his inflexibility makes him unable to cope with change. Achebe portrays Okonkwo’s downfall as inevitable, stemming from his unwillingness to adapt: “He was afraid of being thought weak.” Okonkwo’s fear of losing traditional values mirrors the Igbo society’s broader struggle. Achebe uses Okonkwo’s personal tragedy to symbolize the fate of traditional cultures crushed by colonialism.
Body Paragraph 2: The Missionaries and Cultural Disruption The arrival of the missionaries introduces an alternative belief system that undermines the Igbo way of life. Mr. Brown’s diplomatic approach leads to subtle erosion of tradition, while Reverend Smith’s aggressive stance accelerates the community’s fragmentation. Achebe presents colonialism as both seductive and violent, showing how external forces manipulate internal divisions.
Body Paragraph 3: Nwoye and the Younger Generation Nwoye’s conversion to Christianity reflects the generational shift away from tradition. Achebe suggests that rigid customs, like the killing of twins, alienate younger members of the society, making them more susceptible to change. Nwoye’s rejection of his father’s values symbolizes the inevitable transformation of Igbo culture in the face of colonial influence.
Conclusion:
Achebe uses Things Fall Apart to show that tradition, while strong, is vulnerable when faced with internal dissatisfaction and external pressures. Through vivid characterization and historical realism, he portrays the tragic consequences of cultural clash and the painful process of change.
🌟 Why This is a Strong Response:
| Element | Why It’s Effective |
| AO1: | Clear understanding of the novel’s major conflict (tradition vs. change). |
| AO2: | Close language analysis — especially in use of key quotes. |
| AO3: | Strong linkage to historical context of colonialism. |
| Quotes: | Short but powerful quotes embedded in arguments. |
| Structure: | Logical progression — each paragraph develops the argument further. |