Representation of 1880s Nigerian HIstory in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Abstract

The present study in Chinua Achebe's remarkable work of art Things Fall Apart deals with the 1880s Nigerian history from the perspective of new historicism. In the novel Chinua Achebe has presented the socio-economic and political scenario of the contemporary history vividly. At that time the Nigerian society was based on the traditional norms and values and their lifestyle, way of life and production system also represent the contemporary period of time. In that time, the Nigerian society was developed the traditional system to new one, so it includes the transitional period when the western colonizers had just started to colonize Nigeria. By including the realistic image of the Nigerian history, Achebe has tried his best to blur the traditional boundary between history and fiction. It reflects the 1880s Nigerian history when most of the people believe on the supernatural events and traditions. Their production system was based on traditional way. People are totally guided by the masculine ideology and behave accordingly.