Exploring Brainwashing Methods in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Abstract

This paper explores the depiction of brainwashing and psychological manipulation in Chinua Achebe's seminal novel Things Fall Apart, focusing on how these methods are employed by colonial forces to disrupt and transform the traditional Igbo society. The analysis examines the various techniques used by missionaries and colonial administrators to undermine indigenous beliefs and impose new cultural and religious norms. By closely reading the experiences of key characters—such as Nwoye, Okonkwo, and other villagers—the paper illustrates how these methods create internal conflict and cultural dissonance within the community. The study draws on theories of psychological coercion and social influence to argue that Achebe’s narrative reveals the insidious nature of colonial brainwashing, which operates not only through overt force but also through subtle psychological strategies that exploit existing cultural tensions. The paper concludes by discussing the broader implications of these findings for understanding the psychological impact of colonialism on traditional societies. This research contributes to post-colonial studies by highlighting the psychological dimensions of cultural change and resistance, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the colonial encounter.