Analysis of the Theme in 'Civil Peace' by Chinua Achebe

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.

In 'Civil Peace', the family can be seen as a symbol. Jonathan's family is his most precious possession. Their survival through the war and their unity in the post - war period represent the strength of the human bond. It gives Jonathan the motivation to keep going. The money - making ventures like the palm - wine bar also symbolize the attempts of people to rebuild their economic lives. They are small steps towards normalcy in a disrupted world.

The theme of survival also runs through the story. Jonathan's actions, from protecting his family to trying to earn a living, are all about survival. He has to be clever and adaptable, like when he deals with the thieves, in order to survive in this post - war environment.

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.

The novel 'Arrow of God' is a great exploration of cultural clash. Achebe's writing style makes the Igbo world come alive. We see how the traditional Igbo values are deeply ingrained in every aspect of their lives, from the way they farm to the way they worship. Ezeulu is a character full of contradictions. He is proud of his position in the traditional hierarchy but is also faced with the reality of the colonial power. The story unfolds as he makes decisions that have far - reaching consequences for his people, and we are left to reflect on the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.

The theme of identity can also be seen. The madman's state makes us question how individuals are defined within a society, especially in the context of a changing cultural landscape. As he behaves in ways that are considered abnormal, it forces the reader to think about what it means to be 'normal' in a particular cultural setting and how that affects one's sense of self.

The theme of masculinity also plays a big part. Okonkwo, the main character, is constantly trying to prove his manliness according to the Igbo standards. His fear of being seen as weak like his father drives many of his actions throughout the story.

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.

The works of Chinua Achebe often reveal deep truths within the realm of fiction. His writing is significant as it uses fictional stories set in African contexts to expose the complex social, cultural, and political realities. For example, in 'Things Fall Apart', he shows the impact of colonialism on African tribes, the disruption of traditional ways of life, and the clash of cultures. Through his fictional narratives, he brings to light the truth about African identity, history, and the human experience during a time of great change.