Despite fateful situations, at the end of the 20th century postmodernist literature was developed. This type of literature deals more with the psychology of characters and also the readers, reflect the bitter reality of the time and was more characterized by pessimism. If modernist writers at the end of the day, see a light at the end of the tunnel, this did not happen with post-modernist writers. In this essay, I will make an analysis of the elements of this literature, in one of Chinua Achebe's most famous works, "Things Fall Apart".
Table of Contents
- Pastiche, Intertextuality and History
- Metafiction
- Irony
- Fragmented Characters
- Hyperreal
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the presence of Post Modern Literature elements in Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, with a particular focus on the main character, Okonkwo.
- Postmodern Literature elements in Things Fall Apart
- The character of Okonkwo as a representation of postmodernist themes
- The clash between traditional Nigerian culture and British colonialism
- The use of intertextuality and pastiche in the novel
- The exploration of irony and fragmented characters
Chapter Summaries
The essay begins by exploring the concept of pastiche and its connection to intertextuality and historical references within Things Fall Apart. The author highlights the use of William Butler Yeats's poem "The Second Coming" to illustrate the themes of societal breakdown and the inability to hold onto traditional values.
The essay then delves into the use of metafiction in the novel, showcasing how Achebe employs symbolic language to portray the arrival of British colonial forces. The author analyzes the use of locusts as a metaphor for the overwhelming presence of British influence.
Further exploring the elements of Post Modern Literature, the essay examines the role of irony within the novel. The author analyzes how Okonkwo's attempts to reject his father's perceived weaknesses ultimately lead him to a tragic fate. The author also highlights the irony of Ikemefuna's sacrifice, showcasing how the act intended to foster peace ultimately contributes to Okonkwo's downfall.
Keywords
The main keywords and focus topics of the essay include: postmodern literature, Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo, pastiche, intertextuality, metafiction, irony, fragmented characters, hyperreal, traditional Nigerian culture, British colonialism.
- Quote paper
- Romina Dimo (Author), 2020, The elements of Post Modern Literature in "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/916791
