Ngugi's Correlation

While Ngugi’s extract was used to practice the annotation and structuring of a Paper 1, the content and theme of the article can also be used to inform a deeper appreciation of Things Fall Apart

In what ways does this text influence your understanding of Achebe’s use of language and stylistic choices in Things Fall Apart?

In Ngugi's extract, we witness a similar chronological order to that of Things Fall Apart. This is seen via the chronological narration of how Ngugi's life was before the colonial rule, and how it morphed for the worse after Kenya were conquered. Unlike Things Fall Apart, which depicts a balanced view of the colonizers, Ngugi's text seems to be more biased against the British language. However, a common theme that can be observed between the two is the complex oratory style. In both Things Fall Apart and Ngugi's extract is laden with metaphors, imagery, and personification, which all exemplify the importance given to good orators in the African culture. Another, common theme among them are the writer's decisions to write in English. Whilst this is the language which has oppressed the African countries which both Ngugi and Achebe live in, they have decided to write their texts in English. This decision might be very strategic as they may be using language as a form of resistance and since both texts were written at a time when both Kenya and Nigeria were battling for freedom this might possibly be the case.