Interdisciplinary Studies of Literature, Arts and Humanities

A Study of the Relations of Power and Resistance in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Sayyed Rahim Moosavinia

Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22077/islah.2025.9903.1711
Abstract
This study examines the relations of power in both colonial and indigenous communities, also the way of resistance of indigenous people to colonialism. By referring to Michel Foucault's theoretical framework of the relations of power and the issues related to resistance, it demonstrates the reasons for which Umoufia society seeks refuge in cultural integration and avoid physical encounter with colonialism. While showing a true picture of cultural ups and downs in Umoufian community at the heart of colonialism, and trying to correct the earlier representations of cultural barbarism of African societies, Chinua Achebe introduces the audience to different forms of the relations of power in the contact zone of colonialism and Umoufia tribe. The present essay aims to answer the key question: at the time of confrontation, why and based on what kind of reasoning do clan members seek refuge in the policy of appeasement and prefer cultural integration to physical confrontation with colonialism? According to Edward Said, natives show resistance through knowledge, discourse and cultural difference, mostly embedded in power relations.

Keywords

power relations
knowledge
colonialism
Umoufia
Subjects
Interdisciplinary Studies of Literature, Arts and Humanities

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 September 2026

  • Receive Date 08 August 2025
  • Revise Date 19 September 2025
  • Accept Date 13 September 2026

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