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Which among the following are true in the context of Chinua Achebe? (A) He wrote Arrow of God and Things Fall Apart. (B) His "Novelist as Teacher"
Question

Which among the following are true in the context of Chinua Achebe?
(A) He wrote Arrow of God and Things Fall Apart.
(B) His "Novelist as Teacher" is a seminal essay in the context of African Literature
(C) The name of the tribe he depicted in Things Fall Apart is Igbo
(D) He is a Kenyan born American litterateur.
(E) He wrote the essay "An Abolition of English Department.”
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A.

A, Cand D only.

B.

A,B and E only.

C.

A, Band C only.

D.

B, C and D only.

Correct option is C

Explanation:
Achebe wrote "Things Fall Apart" and "Arrow of God," which are seminal works in African literature.
The Igbo tribe features prominently in "Things Fall Apart," reflecting the socio-political fabric of pre-colonial Nigeria.

Information Booster:

Chinua Achebe's essay "The Novelist as Teacher", published in the journal Okike in 1965, is a seminal essay in the context of African literature. In the essay, Achebe argues that the role of the African writer is to educate their audience about the African experience. He believed that literature could be a powerful tool for social change and that African writers had a responsibility to use their voices to speak out against injustice and oppression. Achebe was a member of the Igbo tribe, and his novels Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God are both set in Igbo society. He used his writing to explore the challenges faced by the Igbo people during the colonial period and to celebrate their culture and traditions.

Known as the "father of African literature," Achebe highlighted the clash between African traditions and European colonial forces in his novels.
"Things Fall Apart" (1958): His most renowned novel, depicting the life of Okonkwo and the societal upheaval during colonization.
"Arrow of God" (1964): Examines the complexities of tradition, leadership, and colonial rule.
Achebe's works authentically present African traditions, particularly Igbo culture, addressing the misrepresentation of African societies in colonial literature.
Achebe's essay underscores the role of African writers as educators of their heritage and custodians of their history.
Impact on Postcolonial Literature:
His portrayal of pre-colonial Africa helped redefine African narratives on a global stage.
Use of Oral Tradition:
Achebe integrates Igbo proverbs, folktales, and storytelling techniques into his narratives, preserving African oral traditions. His characters frequently use proverbs to convey wisdom, making his works resonate with African cultural authenticity.
In Things Fall Apart, proverbs such as "When the moon is shining, the cripple becomes hungry for a walk" highlight community values and beliefs.
Language and Diction:
Achebe's language bridges the gap between African vernaculars and English. By infusing English with African idioms, proverbs, and syntax, he reclaims the colonizer's language for African expression.
He believed that writing in English allowed African stories to reach a global audience without compromising cultural nuances.
Representation of Pre-Colonial Societies:
Achebe's novels vividly depict pre-colonial African societies, portraying their governance, religious practices, and communal living as complex and functional. This challenged Eurocentric depictions of Africa as uncivilized.
In Things Fall Apart, the detailed description of Igbo customs, festivals, and justice systems debunks colonial stereotypes.
Achebe's themes often explore the intersections of tradition, colonialism, and modernity:
The destructive impact of colonial rule (Things Fall Apart).
The tensions between individual aspirations and communal responsibilities (Arrow of God).
The struggle for post-independence identity (A Man of the People).
Development of Realistic Characters:
Achebe's protagonists, such as Okonkwo (Things Fall Apart) and Ezeulu (Arrow of God), are multi-dimensional. They represent universal human struggles while rooted in distinctly African experiences.
Achebe was among the first African writers to gain international recognition. His ability to craft compelling, culturally authentic narratives inspired a generation of African writers, including Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is considered a foundational text in postcolonial studies and is widely taught in schools and universities globally.
Impact on Postcolonial Literature:
Achebe’s work redefined the global literary landscape, asserting African voices in the postcolonial narrative. By writing from an insider's perspective, he reshaped perceptions of African history and culture, creating a counter-narrative to the colonial gaze.


Additional Knowledge:

D and E: These relate to Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, a prominent Kenyan writer who authored "An Abolition of the English Department."

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