Written by Chinua Achebe, "Things Fall Apart" depicts European imperialism through the eyes of Nigerian tribesmen as they interact with the settlers Europeans. What makes this literary work valuable is not the fact that it critiques imperialism; this is the way he criticizes imperialism. Achebe describes African tribes as having very rich civilized and social cultures, not as animalistic savages, as other literature would have you believe. Because of this, the reader is able to connect with the mindset of a native of Africa. This allows the reader to see imperialism from the opposite side of the spectrum, as a people whose culture is being destroyed by foreign invaders (Shmoop). Achebe uses the unfortunate Okonkwo as a vehicle for this enlightenment. Okonkwo is a well-respected member of the community because of the incredible lengths he goes to because of his dishonorable father. This is the first theme in Achebe's story that provides a connection between European and African cultures. Children with poor relationships with their parents tend to act in one way or another with the sole aim of not being like them. This is happening in the present and I'm sure it has happened in the past as well. Who doesn't vow to behave in a way that contrasts with their parents' bad habits growing up? This theme immediately connects African and European cultures and is found throughout the story. Okonkwo's eldest son, disowned because he is too feminine in nature, is one of the first of his tribe to convert to Christianity and embrace Europeans. Contrary to this, Okonkwo's eldest daughter, who is cherished and spoiled, seeks to maintain the tribe's established status...... middle of paper ...... thus, Achebe is able to display African culture for what it really is. that was pretty much. As a result, the reader begins to understand Igbo culture better. With a better understanding of what culture really is; the reader can begin to make small connections between Igbo and European societies. The reader starts to care about the Igbo culture and just when that happens, the settlers appear and slowly start destroying everything. Because the reader is able to see the colonization process through the eyes of the colonized, a better understanding of the colonization process can be obtained. Work cited by the Shmoop editorial team. “Things are falling apart.” Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Internet. April 25, 2011. SparkNotes Publishers. “SparkNote on Things Falling Apart.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC.2002. Internet. April 25. 2011