The audacity of the detached manner in which the District Commisioner is able to sum up the tragedy of Okonkwo's fate is only outmatched by that of his plans to chronicle the demise of an entire culture in a single book, which will most likely only include the European perspective on Imperialism. Just as the District Commisioner's lack of familiarity with Okonkwo's life renders him unfit to pronounce an opinion on the man, the Europeans' ignorance of African culture similarly placed them in an inadequate position for judging the African culture as a whole. Yet, for many years, the main account of African history was written by Europeans. Achebe used the irony of the District Commissioner's literary plans to foreshadow the Europeans' subsequent misrepresentation of African history and culture.
By having first shown readers a firsthand glimpse into African society and the life of Okonkwo and his people, Achebe attempts to shed light on the true face of Imperialism. As seen by the court messengers' cruel treatment of Okonkwo and the other clan leaders, the District Commisioner's claim that the Europeans "brought a peaceful administration" (p. 167) is proven false. Readers are able to witness the injustices that took place due to Imperialism instead of being misled into believing claims such as that of the District Commisioner.
Unfortunately, for a considerable time after Europeans had won control of Africa, the actual history of Okonkwo and his people was "buried like a dog" (p. 179) by the proponents of Imperialism.
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