Final answer:
According to Achebe, Okonkwo is distressed and feels powerless in his new life, with Achebe using metaphors to describe his emotions. Colonialism has influenced historical writing by prioritizing Eurocentric views and diminishing colonized perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo feels disillusioned and deeply distressed about his new life in exile from his clan. Achebe uses figurative language to illustrate Okonkwo's emotions, such as when he describes Okonkwo's fame 'drying up like a pond in the harmattan.' This metaphor vividly conveys how Okonkwo's influence and prestige evaporate in the face of his circumstances, reflecting his sense of powerlessness and loss.
Colonialism's Influence on Writing History
Colonialism has significantly influenced the writing of history by often presenting a Eurocentric perspective that overlooks or diminishes the experiences and contributions of colonized peoples. Achebe's works, including Things Fall Apart, counter this trend by offering a narrative focused on the African experience, particularly the Igbo society, and challenging reductive portrayals of African history and culture.