A postcolonial study of western systemic oppression in Things Fall Apart and Beloved

Abstract

This paper explores the postcolonial dimensions of systemic oppression within the western context as depicted in two seminal literary works, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Toni Morrison’s Beloved. The analysis delves into the portrayal of colonialism’s enduring impact on indigenous cultures and the subsequent internalization of oppressive ideologies by the colonized. By employing a postcolonial lens, the study shows the multifaceted manifestations of systemic oppression, ranging from cultural erasure and economic exploration to the psychological ramification of the African American experience during and after slavery serve as important case studies, revealing how these authors engage with the aftermath of colonial domination and its far-reaching implications. The comparative analysis seeks to highlight the shared threads of Western systemic oppression present in both narratives while emphasizing the resilience and agency of the oppressed in confronting and resisting the oppressive structures. Through an examination of the characters’ struggles and the cultural landscapes they navigate, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of postcolonial literature and its critical implications for contemporary discussions on systemic oppression and cultural resilience.