Analysis of 'Arrow of God' by Chinua Achebe

In 'Arrow of God', characters play vital roles in portraying the cultural shift. Ezeulu, as the chief priest, is like a symbol of the Igbo's spiritual and social core. His pride in the traditional ways often clashes with the new colonial ideas. His family members, such as his sons, also add to the complexity. They are influenced by both the old teachings from their father and the allure of the new world brought by the colonizers. These characters together create a vivid picture of a society in turmoil.

In 'The Voter', Chinua Achebe explores themes of politics and corruption in a Nigerian village. The story shows how the power of voting can be manipulated. For example, the main character is faced with a difficult choice between his loyalty to a candidate and the potential benefits of voting for another. It's a story that reflects the complex social and political dynamics in African communities.

One of the key themes in 'Civil Peace' is the idea of post - war survival. Jonathan's attitude towards life after the civil war reflects this. He is grateful for the small things, like his bicycle and his family's well - being. The story also shows how the concept of 'civil peace' is not really a true peace. There are still underlying tensions and difficulties, as seen in the way Jonathan has to deal with the thieves at the end. It's a complex exploration of life after war.

The main character Okonkwo is a very complex figure. He is a strong - willed man who adheres to the traditional values of his tribe. However, his excessive pride and fear of being seen as weak often lead him into trouble. His relationship with his father also deeply influences his character and actions.

The story also reflects on the idea of peace. It's not a grand, perfect peace but a 'civil peace' which still has underlying tensions. For example, the thieves who come to Jonathan's house at night represent the lingering lawlessness. Jonathan's response to them, by offering them the egg - rasher, shows his survival instinct and his understanding of the situation.

Chinua Achebe was highly critical of 'Heart of Darkness' due to its underlying racism. He pointed out how the novel depicted Africa as the 'other', a dark and savage place. Conrad's work presented Africans as primitive and less than human, which was a common view in the colonial era but was a distorted and unfair representation.

Another significant aspect of Achebe's novels is his use of language. He writes in English but incorporates elements of Igbo language and culture. This makes his works accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining the authenticity of the African context. His novels have had a profound influence on African literature and on how the world views Africa.

Chinua Achebe was motivated by a desire to tell the stories of his people and to give a voice to African experiences and perspectives.

Chinua Achebe's first novel is 'Things Fall Apart'. This novel is highly regarded in world literature. It vividly portrays the Igbo society in Nigeria before the arrival of the Europeans, showing their rich culture, traditions, and social structures. Through the story of Okonkwo, it explores themes like colonialism, cultural clash, and the destruction of traditional ways of life. It has been widely studied and has introduced African literature to a global audience.

Chinua Achebe's final novel was 'There Was a Country'. In this novel, he delved into the complex history of Nigeria, especially during the Biafran War. It was not just a story about the war but also about the people, their hopes, dreams, and the destruction they faced. Achebe used his own experiences and observations to paint a vivid picture of a nation in turmoil, making it an important piece of literature for understanding Nigeria's past.