The Battle Between Change and Tradition-Rachael Gregson

As confusing as it was to keep up with all the difficult character names, I loved how Things Fall Apart was about a culture and its people at the point of reconstruction. The constant internal dilemma of change over tradition or tradition over change that each character had to face was very well written, Okonkwo's being one of the most elaborated. Not only is he very slow to obey the newly set religious and political adjustments because they do not seem very manly to him, but he also refuses to compromise his stance because of a deeper fear: the fear of losing his social status, which may be built on the insecurity that he will never outgrow the shadow that his father casts. His self-worth is built entirely on the people, and therefore does not want community change being brought about because he worries that there will be a change of view about him along with that. 

But Okonkwo isn't the only one concerned. The villagers in general are torn between accepting and resisting the unfamiliar. Some embrace the new ways, hopeful that the opportunities the Europeans offer will grow the village and the people within the village, while some are anxious that these new ways will only make their old ways fade. 

This book leaves us with quite a few very deep thoughts to ponder: When does change need to be accepted? And when does it need to be fought? Do we have a habit of accepting and fighting it at the wrong times? Do we really know what we need?

Commented on posts by Jamie and Leanne.