CULTURAL STUDY OF ERDRICH’S TRACKS (1988) AND ACHEBE’S THINGS FALL APART (1998): A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper explores the novels Tracks (1988) by Louise Erdrich and Things Fall Apart (1958) by Chinua Achebe through the experiences of traditional, pre-colonial societies and the challenges they face in the face of cultural change and external pressures. In both novels, themes such as identity, gender, local mythology and tribal traditions play a significant role in shaping the experiences of the characters and their communities. This article examines the themes of both novels, including the impact of colonization on the Igbo and Ojibwe societies, the quest for identity in the face of cultural change, the role of gender and the importance of local mythology and tribal traditions. By comparing and contrasting these two novels, this paper aims to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted experiences of traditional societies and the challenges they face in navigating a rapidly changing world. Through analysis, this research also gains insights into the broader issues of cultural change, identity and the preservation of traditional cultures which remain relevant today in many parts of the world.