Although the period these works were written in vary greatly, Oroonoko and Things Fall Apart share several things in common, the principal one being their depiction of the effect of colonialism on an ‘exotic’ culture. But Behn’s depiction of Colonialism varies greatly when compared to that of Achebe’s.
The principal difference seen is that Behn, although a woman and not a direct colonizer, speaks, although autobiographically, on behalf of the Colonizers. It is notable that her relationship with Oroonoko is greatly strained by the denial of his freedom. Achebe on the other hand has a much more direct relationship with the ‘natives’. Things Fall Apart is a depiction of colonialism from the point of view of the colonized. The novel depicts the introduction of colonialism, whereas Oroonoko depicts the introduction of a Coromantien prince to a colonized nation.
Religion plays a major role in both novels, but a greater one in Things Fall Apart, as the introduction of the ‘white’ man was for the purposes of ‘spreading the word of the lord’. Ironically enough, it is this desire to ‘educate’ and help see the ‘light’ that results in the ensuing chaos and division between the converts and the orthodox men of the village. It is hence seen that religion has a very major role in the death of the protagonist in Things Fall Apart. Although Oroonoko faces significant difficulties in accepting Christianity as a religion, and mocks the religion openly, there is no resulting effect of his questions and mocking on the action of the novel. It can be seen that since Oroonoko hasn’t experienced religion before, the idea of one brings him to mock rather than be outraged at the possibility of one. Colonialism in Oroonoko is based on the idea of slavery, rather than the imposition of a religion as a method to save its characters. In Things Fall Apart, it is seen that the introduction of Christianity in Umuofia and Mbanta does serve its purpose for certain characters, however, such as Nwoye who is drawn to Christianity by the questioning of the barbaric practices of the Ibo people.
Both these novels have tragic endings, i.e. they end with the death of their protagonists. Although Oroonoko’s death is much more tragic and sadistic, the fact that Okonkwo eventually commits suicide, an act deemed cowardly by his people, and in complete contrast with his character is also extremely tragic. As aptly stated by Oberieka,“That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia. You drove him to kill himself;”. The character inversion and conflict that Okonkwo experiences is similar to that experienced by Oroonoko, however, it is seen that in spite of the endings of both novels, Oroonoko has a stronger grasp of his fate as compared to Okonkwo.
Both Oroonoko and Things Fall Apart successfully depict the various effects of Colonialism on native, ‘exotic’ societies.