In his novel Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe responds to European colonialism. It depicts the struggle between convention and conversion as well as the struggle between race and colonial power. In her novel L'Amant, Marguerite Duras reformulates this idea of ​​colonialism. Duras changes the power roles associated with colonialism by modifying traditional precepts of race and class. Chinua Achebe's novel is a frank response to European colonialism and its effects on traditional African culture. Okonkwo lives in a changing world. He seems fundamentally torn between the traditions and customs of his tribe and the impending colonial conversion. As a member of an African tribe, Okonkwo finds himself powerless against the onslaught of Western change and cultural evolution. The arrival of missionaries in the village of Okonkwo heralded this cultural order. Their very presence disrupts the structure and social imperatives. Attempts at resistance fail and only work in favor of the missionary. For example, according to Umofian tradition, missionaries should have died after building their church in the lands of the Evil Forest. The missionaries, however, are unharmed, symbolizing the power of a new conversion over old ways. As tribesmen convert, the social structure of Umofia weakens significantly. Okonkwo realizes that the old ways are disappearing as the colonial presence grows in strength and fervor. Okonkwo realizes that colonialism is slowly but surely distancing his people from their roots and their principles. The arrival of European religion and government forces a change of command, stripping Okonkwo of his power. As the missionaries gain support and convert the tribesmen, Okonkwo feels the custom and tradition disappearing. ...... middle of paper ...... servants to keep up appearances. Social and class tensions are most salient in the family dinners instigated by the narrator. Her brothers “glut” themselves on expensive food bought during their sister's antics, but they are unaware of the lover's very presence. If they looked at the lover, they would be forced to see the “elementary rules of society” that they are breaking by dining together. Class is important here because the lover is influential and wealthy enough to please the family, but they still overlook him because racially they are considered above him. Additionally, Duras reformulates colonialism by focusing on physical descriptions of bodies and racial skin. Although they come from different ethnic backgrounds, the lovers become one in the bedroom. They are both washed in water and belong to the same physical race..