Meet Chinua Achebe, an African literary giant
“The baobab tree falls and the whole forest looks empty! Such is human life!“
~Israelmore Ayivore, The Great Handbook of Quotes
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Literature is like History with feelings. A historian teaches us about the past with facts and real events. A novelist thrusts us into the heart of the human condition using fictious characters and stories.
There are very few writers who are able to take us through this taxing emotional voyage. Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, is one of them.
The triumphs and downfalls of his flawed heroes, such as Okonkwo or Ezeulu, help us to understand how glory and defeat feel like. Achebe infuses each page with meaning as he builds his characters and story. Words are used simply and economically yet the overall result is impressive and memorable.
“When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool.“
~Things Fall Apart
Reading his books is both a pleasure and a privilege. On one hand, it is enjoyable to explore his unique use of language and imagery. On the other hand, it is humbling to engage with such a well of wisdom.
“I have spoken to the children and I shall not be afraid to speak to you. I think you are too hard on Obika. Apart from your high position as Chief priest you are also blessed with a great compound. But in all great compounds there must be people of all minds–some good, some bad, some fearless and some cowardly;those who bring in wealth and those who scatter it, those who give good advice and those who only speak the words of palm wine. That is why we say that whatever tune you play in the compound of a great man there is always someone to dance to it. I salute you.“
~Arrow of God
The themes of power, love, loyalty, colonialism, corruption, gender, culture and death race through his works. Through the characters’ personal struggles, we delve deeper into these common human traits and conflicts.
“Whenever Ezeulu considered the immensity of his power over the year and the crops, and, therefore, over the people he wondered if it was real. It was true he named the day for the feast of the Pumpkin Leaves and for the New Yam feast; but he did not choose it. He was merely a watchman. His power was no more than the power of a child over a goat that was said to be his. As long a the goat was alive it could be his; he would find it food and take care of it. But the day it was slaughtered he would know soon enough who the real owner was. No! the Chief Priest of Ulu was more than that, must be more than that. If he should refuse to name the day there would be no festival –no planting and no reaping. But could he refuse? No Chief Priest had ever refused. So it could not be done. He would not dare.“
~Arrow of God
It has been six years since Chinua Achebe, the ‘Founding Father’ of African literature, breathed his last. Indeed, his absence is deeply felt worldwide. It is a void that is hard to fill.
Now and again, when we feel the need for comfort and guidance, we reach out for one of his books and search for those words of wisdom that are powerful enough to dispel our fears.
Achebe reached great literary heights in his lifetime. He was an icon and a survivor. Like the giant baobab tree, he towered over obstacles and challenges in his quest for truth. He was a fearless social commentator and witness to our greatest and not so glorious periods of our History.
His legacy lives on.
Further Exploration: (Chinua Achebe)
More quotes from Chinua Achebe:
“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
“The world is like a Mask dancing. If you want to see it well, you do not stand in one place.”
“If you don’t like someone’s story write your own.”
You can explore his famous novel “Things Fall Apart” by buying it here.
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Read:
- African Fiction: Lesson 1-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Fearless and Influential Writer
- African Fiction: Lesson 2-Chigozie Obioma, between Modernity and Tradition
- African Fiction: Lesson 3-NoViolet Bulawayo, a Literary Darling
- African Fiction: Lesson 4-Tsitsi Dangarembga, the Mother of Zimbabwean Literature
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About the Author
Thandi Ngwira Gatignol is the founder of Learn English With Africa. She was born on June 11th, 1981 in Blantyre, Malawi. When she was 19, she left her country of birth for France. She currently lives with her two daughters and husband in Poland.
Thandi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English studies obtained at the Université Paris X Nanterre in France and a Certificate in Journalism from Malawi. She has taught English as a French Ministry of Education certified teacher both in France and in Poland. She speaks six languages fluently, including French, Polish and Italian. She is now learning Kiswahili, German and Spanish. Salt No More is her debut novel and you can find her other books here on the website or on Amazon.
Course Title: African Fiction: Lesson 5-Chinua Achebe, the Great Baobab Tree (Level B1-B2)© Learn English With Africa, May 2019
