Things Fall Apart, Achebe; Okonkwo’s and the Umuofia tribe’s exposure to modernity is the central struggle of the narrative. Similar to the Compson family, his desire to remain in what he believes to be an idyllic pre-colonialist world is overpowered by colonialist and modern forces. His notion of power is completely overturned by contemporary forces granting power to those– women, children, white men– previously unable to hold any. The simplistic title, which directly states the premise of the novel, and the matter-of-fact, folkloric narrative voice add to the sense of simple exposure.
Oral storytelling tradition both alienating reader (unable to verify details) and drawing them closer (becoming a part of the world of the story through its vernacular and diction)
Things Fall Apart, Achebe
Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston