Step-by-step explanation:
In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," the inclusion of the events at Abame suggests several aspects about British culture and its impact on indigenous societies.
Firstly, the events at Abame serve as a powerful critique of the British colonial presence and its destructive consequences. Abame, a village with its own distinct culture and traditions, represents the vibrancy and autonomy of pre-colonial Igbo society. However, the arrival of the British disrupts this harmony, leading to the tragic destruction of Abame. This suggests that British culture, represented by the colonial powers, is a force that disregards and erases indigenous cultures in its quest for domination.
Furthermore, the destruction of Abame signifies the inherent arrogance and ethnocentrism of British culture. The British colonialists, driven by their own cultural superiority and a desire for control and exploitation, see no value in the unique traditions, customs, and institutions of Abame. They dismiss and destroy what they do not understand or deem inferior, reflecting a narrow-mindedness that characterizes colonial attitudes.
The events at Abame also shed light on the violence and ruthlessness that often accompanied British colonial rule. The British District Commissioner's response to the destruction of Abame is dismissive and callous, attributing it to a mere "incident." This indifference to the loss of human life and the obliteration of a community suggests a culture that is both apathetic to the suffering of indigenous peoples and willing to employ force to maintain control.
Moreover, the inclusion of the events at Abame highlights the destructive impact of imperialism on traditional African societies. It underscores the loss of self-determination, cultural heritage, and social cohesion that accompanied the imposition of British rule. Achebe's portrayal of the events at Abame serves as a powerful critique of the detrimental effects of colonialism and a call for a reclamation of African cultural identity.
Overall, Achebe's inclusion of the events at Abame in "Things Fall Apart" suggests that British culture, as represented by the colonial powers, is characterized by cultural arrogance, ethnocentrism, violence, and a disregard for the value and integrity of indigenous societies.