Comparing Tension and Conflict in Things Fall Apart and...

Tension and Conflict in Things Fall Apart and Clear Light of Day How does the tension between traditional and modern views of the world play itself out in Achebes Things Fall Apart, and Desais Clear Light of Day? In both Achebes and Desais novels, tension and conflict between the new and the old, traditional and modern are the strong undercurrents that move the story and the reader into an unconscious emotional uneasiness. In both novels, the backdrop and the story are engrossed in a struggle between two worlds, the new and the old fighting out its battles in the characters portrayed within. Achebe makes his stand in eastern Nigeria while Desai illustrates her†¦show more content†¦I believe the book pivots on this statement: Does the white man understand our custom about land? How can he when he does not even speak our tongue? But he says that our customs are bad. How do you think we can fight when our own bothers have turned against us? The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceable with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart. It is interesting how the whole process came about. The missionary Mr. Brown came in with his soft approach and gained the respect of the clan. Then came along Mr. Smith The missionary with the black and white, hard handed approach. It was this iron fist that was the last straw for this clan. Okonkwo, the respected leader couldnt take any more. After helping burn down the church and killing a messenger he hung himself. A sin in both worlds, but the only way out for a man trapped between them. In Desais novel, Clear Light of Day we see the same tensions. But unlike Achebe, Desai weaves them lightly in and out of the story. In this tale, Bim is much like Okonkwo, trapped between two worlds. 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