Essays on Chinua Achebe

Diana DeBernardis, 5 Mr. Rosenberry Honors English 11 December 19, 2012 Okonkwo’s Foil “Opposites attract. ” This is a very cliche quote used by physicists and other scientific personnel, but it rings true in many different ways. In literature, the correct term for a character that sets off or enhances another character by contrast is…

Things Fall Apart: An Evaluation In “Things Fall Apart,” Chinua Achebe tells two different stories at the same time. One is of Okonkwo, the villager whose rise to power is halted because of all of his misfortunes. The other is of Okonkwo’s village, Umuofia, and its struggle to hold on to its cultural tradition while…

How does the writer create tension and convey sympathy for Ikemefuna in this extract from the novel? Introduction: In this extract from Chapter 7, which describes the death of Ikemefuna, Achebe has used a number of techniques to create tension and make the reader feel sympathy for his situation. Part One – Preparations for the…

“Once you allow your foundation to be restored, not a small or quick task, you will be able, with God’s help, to build the life He always intended you to have” (Sandra Celeste). Chinua Achebe, the author of “Civil Peace,” writes about a stereotypical life in Africa, from struggles to miracles, the story is focused…

One of the most important things in life is the relationship that exists between parents and their children. This is a relationship based on unconditional love and which never ends. For there to be peace in this relationship, there has to be mutual respect between the child and the parent. The two must also value…

The novel Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua Achebe introduces an interesting character named Okonkwo. Okonkwo lived a life full of contradiction. His main goal in life was to never give up until he was successful and achieved everything he wanted, but then he ended up committing suicide in the end. Okonkwo can be thought…

Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe is published in 1958. Achebe is a Nigerian author. It is seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English. The title of the novel comes from William Butler Yeats poem “The Second Coming”. The novel depicts the life of Okonkwo, a leader and local wrestling champion in Umuofia—one…

The Egwugwu were a significant part of not only Umuofia, but the Ibo culture as a whole. They represented the spiritual ancestors of Umuofia. They were similar to the “justice system” of today. The Egwugwu were seen as wise and ultimately the most respectable members of the clan. They would review a case of the…

As both being men, Awoken and Annoy tried to hide their emotions over Snakeskin’s death; however, as the reader one knows that Awoken felt depressed and weak while Annoy was just as depressed as his father, but also disappointed in him. Awoken experienced depression. “Awoken did not taste any food for two days after the…

Marriage Is a Private Affair   Marriage is a private affair. Probably, as for most of us, we would take it for granted. But as for some people, this is not a common idea at all. The idea that individuals have the right to decide on their own about their marriage can be even considered…