Which sentence best illustrates the theme that tradition versus change leads to conflict in achebe’s novel, things fall apart? the british did not understand the igbo traditions and tried to impose their own religion and politics, which they considered to be superior. the igbo traditions, which were handed down orally from generation to generation, were never written down. the igbo society was patriarchal, where the men were warriors, farmers, and builders, and had several wives. everyone in the igbo society had specific duties, depending upon their age and gender.