Non-Western Resistance in Achebe’s Arrow of God

Abstract

Chinua Achebe’s novel Arrow of God portrays the bitter reality of Nigeria. The plot deals with the issues related to the colonized Nigeria. Furthermore, the closer analysis of the plot and theme reveals the so-called hegemony of the colonizers and the issue of resistance against the colonial rule. Within the theories like, colonialism and post colonialism the issues of hegemony, suffering and resistance take place. Where, the hegemony occurs, there takes place resistance. In the novel the chief priest of Ulu, Ezeulu, resists against the colonial rule. Furthermore, he strongly rejects to be Warrant Chief, which proves the non-western resistance, logically in this novel Arrow of God. Achebe in the novel presents the characters to be resisting against the white hegemony for the preservation of their culture and native identity; he thinks that Nigerians’ culture, civilization and existence can bloom only after the end of slavery of colonial rule. Therefore, Chinua Achebe wants the end to so-called colonial rule as soon as possible. To express his own desire of resistance, Achebe brings the energetic and rebellious characters in the novel. Each of the characters is dissatisfied with the colonial rule of British administration. Achebe gives sympathy to the native characters that meet tragic condition due to colonial rule. Therefore, Achebe has proved that colonial rule is one of the worst rules for colonized people, which gives nothing more than sufferings, pain, hegemony and slavery to them. In addition, the native characters show their utter dissatisfaction towards the colonial rule. The native characters think they must get liberation from colonial rule. To reach their goal, they resist strongly and energetically against the colonizers. By reflecting the scenario of resistance, Achebe has proved that resistance is an ultimate tool of natives for the journey of freedom and liberation from the slavery of colonial era.