Comparative Analysis of Kunta Kinte in Roots, and Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart as Symbols of Colonial and Neocolonial Defiants: Legacy of Resistance and Resilience Against the White Man’s Kraal

This article explores the compelling similarities between Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, and Kunta Kinte in the movie Roots, based on the novel by Alex Haley, in resisting colonial and neocolonial forces. The roles of these lead characters in confronting colonial and neocolonial forces in these classic works of art have never really been explored by academics; and these striking similarities cannot be ignored. Both characters serve as poignant embodiments of resistance, resilience, and hope against the rising tide of colonization and neocolonization, reflecting the broader socio-political challenges faced by African societies during the tumultuous period of slavery and colonization. The article also foregrounds ways in which Africans can explore and harness the digital capabilities to de-neocolonize the continent.