Interview

As I was not present on the day of the shared inquiry discussion, I took it upon myself to inquire further than I had already done the first time I read the interview. I thoroughly questioned the relationship between the cultural and literary contexts' and Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart. The interview inquires the author's direct background of the novel, discussing his own opinions about the cultural and historical background of Nigeria, in addition to his opinions on their local literature.

I was fascinated by the fact that the author was unaware as to how influential this novel would be. "So these people across the waters were able to relate to the story of dispossession in Africa. People from different parts of the world can respond to the same story if it says something to them about their own history and their own experience". This quote resonated with me as I was very affected by the truth of it. Unfortunately, I could personally relate on the basis that those of which have come for colonised nations, per say. So I was surprised and heavily pleased with the author once he stated: "Once you allow yourself to identify with the people in a story, then you might begin to see yourself in that story even if on the surface it's far removed from your situation. " I have often felt the emotions of the antagonist or those in his community, but never had it been stimulated by the same issue, but once you allow yourself to identify with the characters you don't need to have been stimulated by the same exact situation to relate or sympathise. This applies to all literary works.

“There’s a reaction to a reaction, and there will be a further reaction to that. And I think that’s the way it will go, until what I call a balance of stories is secured.”

But out of the entire interview, the quote above is the one in which has affected me the most. The author in this instance is referring the European literature. He spoke of how for centuries European literature displayed Africa in a single story, maybe even worse.

This is due to them initially referencing Africans as beasts, which to us now is evident that it had been done with intentions to defend slavery. But the times went on people began to propagate stereotypes of Africans. Although Africa was a continent filled with a variety of cultures, different languages and dialects and so much diversity. It was painted with layered strokes of cliches and stereotypes.

To diminish such happenings one must be given an opportunity to paint their own pictures, in order to establish authenticity and accuracy. Which brings me to the importance of a novel such as Things Fall Apart, as it introduces us to well-known historical events from the eyes of the oppressed as opposed to the oppressors; finally securing the balance of stories.