Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, is regarded as a central figure of modern African literature and one of the most important voices in what is now known as postcolonial literature. His first novel and magnum opus, Things Fall Apart, occupies a pivotal place in African literature and remains the most widely studied, translated, and read African novel.  Along with Things Fall Apart, his No Longer at Ease (1960) and Arrow of God (1964) complete the “African Trilogy”. Later novels include A Man of the People (1966) and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). In the West, Achebe is often referred to as the “father of African literature”, although he vigorously rejected the characterization.

Early Life and Education

Achebe was born (16^th November, 1930) into the Igbo ethnic group in Ogidi, Colonial Nigeria, and his early exposure to Igbo traditions and storytelling profoundly influenced his literary sensibilities. Raised in a society undergoing significant transformations due to British colonial rule, Achebe’s childhood experiences provided him with a unique perspective on the clash between tradition and modernity. His parents were Protestant converts. An Igbo speaker at home, Achebe started learning English at the age of eight.

He attended University College (now the University of Ibadan), where besides distinguishing himself academically, he became fiercely critical of how Western literature depicted Africa. After a short stint in teaching after graduation, he moved to Lagos and worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) and garnered international attention for his 1958 novel Things Fall Apart. In less than 10 years he would publish four further novels.  Achebe served as director of external broadcasting of NBS in 1961–66. When the region of Biafra broke away from Nigeria in 1967, Achebe supported Biafran independence and acted as ambassador for the people of the movement. The subsequent Nigerian Civil War ravaged the populace, and he appealed to the people of Europe and the Americas for aid. When the Nigerian government retook the region in 1970, he involved himself in political parties but soon became disillusioned by his frustration over the continuous corruption and elitism he witnessed. He lived in the United States for several years in the 1970s. Upon his return to Nigeria he was appointed research fellow at the University of Nigeria and became professor of English, a position he held from 1976 until 1981 (professor emeritus from 1985). He returned to the US in 1990 after a car crash left him partially paralyzed. He stayed in the US in a nineteen-year tenure at Bard College as a professor of languages and literature.

Things Fall Apart

In 1958, Achebe published his debut novel, Things Fall Apart, which is widely regarded as a seminal work in world literature. The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior, and explores the devastating impact of British colonialism on traditional African societies. Achebe’s narrative mastery, combined with his nuanced portrayal of characters and cultures, challenged prevailing stereotypes about Africa and its people.

Things Fall Apart is a powerful critique of colonialism and its cultural, social, and psychological consequences. Through Okonkwo’s personal tragedy, Achebe illustrates the destructive forces of imperialism and the erosion of indigenous cultures. The novel’s title, drawn from W.B. Yeats’s poem “The Second Coming,” suggests the disintegration of established structures in the face of external pressures.

Achebe’s portrayal of Igbo society in pre-colonial Nigeria is both authentic and empathetic. He emphasizes the richness of Igbo traditions, the complexity of social relationships, and the significance of oral storytelling. By giving voice to African perspectives, Achebe challenged the Eurocentric narrative that had dominated literature about the continent.

Literary Impact and Reception

Things Fall Apart garnered international acclaim for its literary merit and socio-political significance. Achebe’s novel became a foundational text in postcolonial literature, inspiring subsequent generations of writers to explore their own cultural identities and histories. The novel’s success opened doors for African literature on the global stage, paving the way for other voices to be heard.

However, Achebe’s work also faced criticism, notably from some Western scholars who accused him of presenting a romanticized view of pre-colonial Africa. Achebe responded to these criticisms, arguing that his goal was to humanize Africa and its people rather than conform to Western expectations.

Beyond Things Fall Apart

In 1960 Achebe published his second novel, No Longer at Ease. It is about a civil servant named Obi, grandson of Things Fall Apart‘s main character, who is embroiled in the corruption of Lagos. Obi undergoes the same turmoil as much of the Nigerian youth of his time; the clash between traditional cultures of his clan, family, and home village against his government job and modern society.

 Notable among his later works is Arrow of God (1964), which further explores the impact of colonialism on Igbo society. Achebe’s storytelling prowess and commitment to social justice are evident in Arrow of God, where he continues to grapple with themes of power, morality, and cultural collision.

Achebe’s essays, such as those collected in “Morning Yet on Creation Day” (1975) and “Hopes and Impediments” (1988), showcase his incisive intellect and engagement with issues of identity, language, and the role of the African writer. His critical essays are essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of postcolonial African literature.

Chinua Achebe’s legacy extends beyond his literary achievements. He played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for African literature and shaping the discourse on African identity. Achebe was not only a novelist but also a cultural critic, educator, and advocate for social justice. Through his novels, essays, and activism, he confronted stereotypes, challenged colonial narratives, and contributed to the development of a vibrant and diverse literary tradition. Achebe’s legacy endures not only in the pages of his books but also in the broader conversation about identity, representation, and the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.