Answer:
In Chapters 20 and 21 of Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart, the effects of European colonialism on the Igbo people of Nigeria become more apparent. Obierika's statement that "the white man has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart" can be seen as referring to the cultural, social, and political disintegration that occurs as a result of European intervention.
One way this is shown is through the introduction of Christianity and Western education. In Chapter 20, we see how the new religion divides families and communities, as some people convert while others remain loyal to traditional beliefs. For example, Nwoye, Okonkwo's son, converts to Christianity, causing a rift between him and his father. Additionally, we see how the missionaries use education as a tool for cultural assimilation, teaching the Igbo people to reject their own traditions and embrace Western ways.
Another way this is shown is through the imposition of colonial authority. In Chapter 21, we see how the district commissioner enforces his own version of justice, arresting and punishing the leaders of the village for their resistance to colonial rule. The Igbo people are forced to adapt to a new system of government, one that is based on European values and legal codes. This results in the loss of their own system of justice, which was based on tradition and communal consensus.
Overall, Chapters 20 and 21 show how the arrival of the white man disrupts the social and cultural fabric of Igbo society, leading to a loss of traditional values and practices. Obierika's statement becomes increasingly relevant as we see how the Igbo people struggle to adapt to the changes brought about by European colonialism.
Step-by-step explanation: