Chinua Achebe: A Study of His Work & Writing Advice

“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” - Chinua Achebe

When Chinua Achebe passed in 2013, the literary world had a hole left in it. Achebe had occupied one of the foremost positions in African literature since the publication of his first and most popular novel, Things Fall Apart, in 1958, and by the time of his death, he was considered one of the foundation-layers of modern African literature. Not only notable for his own major literary contributions, he also kickstarted the careers of several other seminal African writers, such as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o and Flora Nwapa, and was a cutting-edge scholar on racial and literary issues. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at Chinua Achebe and his background, writing style, several major works, legacy, and writing advice, so we might come away with a deeper understanding of who this man is and why he is so significant.

Background

Born on November 16th, 1930, in Nneobi near the Igbo village of Ogidi in Nigeria. His father was a teacher and evangelist, and his mother was a church woman and vegetable farmer. From early on, Achebe and his five siblings lived a life of duality between the Christianity their parents embraced and the traditional Ugidi customs that otherwise occupied their lives, and this would go on to greatly influence the content of Achebe’s writing in a unique way. As is a very important part of Igbo culture, storytelling was a big part of Achebe’s childhood as well, and he was enamored with listening to, telling, and reading stories from a young age. 

By the time he began at primary school in 1936 at St. Phillip’s Central School, he was said by his teachers to have the best writing and reading skills in the class, and he was considered precocious when it came to his academics all throughout his junior education. The same year that it opened, Achebe pursued an undergraduate degree at the University of Idaban where he studied literature, history, and theology, and where he found his start in publishing some of his writing in school magazines. 

After graduating in 1953, Achebe worked as a teacher for a few years before becoming a script-preparer for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service in Lagos. It was Lagos, the bustling capital of Nigeria, that inspired him to write what would become his first and most popular novel, Things Fall Apart. After some struggles to get it typed and approved, it was published in 1958 to great critical reception. 

In 1961, Achebe took part in a conference for African writers in English, which was called a turning-point for the recognition of African literature and he took up the role of editor for the African Writers Series, helping find authors and works to contribute to a collection of African writings; it was with the African Writers Series that he helped bolster the careers of people who would go on to be seminal African writers in their own right, like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. This commenced the period of Achebe’s life in which he worked primarily as a writer, speaker, scholar, and professor, and he went on to hold many positions at universities around the world, win many significant awards, and make many incredible contributions to African literature and postcolonial race-based studies. By the time of his death in 2013, he was considered one of the greatest African writers of the last 100 years. 

Writing Style

Chinua Achebe is known for a style that blends traditional storytelling with modern narrative techniques. It is characterized by several key elements, one of the foremost being that his storytelling technique is deeply rooted in African oral tradition. He often incorporates folk tales, proverbs, and idiomatic expressions into his narratives, and this infusion of oral tradition adds richness and authenticity to his writing. Achebe was also known for incorporating Igbo language phrases and Pidgin English into his writing, allowing for a more immersive experience for readers while capturing the linguistic diversity of Nigeria. Non-linear storytelling techniques are also heavily utilized, meaning he shifted between past and present or used multiple perspectives to tell a story, and all of these stylistic elements can be found in the three major works we’ll take a closer look at below. 

Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart is Chinua Achebe's seminal novel, first published in 1958, and is a groundbreaking work of African literature that has had a profound impact globally on discussions on colonialism, cultural clash, and the consequences of societal change. The novel is set in pre-colonial Nigeria and follows the life of Okonkwo, a respected Igbo leader, as he grapples with the arrival of European colonialists and the subsequent unraveling of his traditional way of life. Okonkwo is a strong and ambitious man in the village of Umuofia, and his life is dominated by a desire to distinguish himself from his father, Unoka, who was considered a failure. Through hard work and determination, Okonkwo rises to a prominent position in his community; however, issues and tensions arise with the arrival of European missionaries and colonial powers.

Achebe’s main character, Okonkwo, has been widely studied for his embodiment of notions of masculinity within Igbo culture. His personal struggles and determination to adhere to traditional gender roles and societal expectations contribute to his downfall throughout the novel, and proves to be an interesting gender study, though not necessarily accurately indicative of real Igbo gender relations. 

Achebe has been praised by critics for his portrayal of the destructive impact of European colonization on traditional African societies in this novel, particularly through the way that, as colonialism encroaches upon the Igbo society, there is a breakdown of traditional structures, beliefs, and social cohesion. The novel highlights the complexities of adapting to change and the consequences of losing cultural identity as a result of colonization, and Achebe accomplishes this through a style characterized by simplicity, clarity, and a blend of oral storytelling traditions with modern narrative techniques. He incorporates Igbo proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and cultural elements, offering readers a glimpse into the richness of African storytelling; it’s little wonder that this book has become a classic of world literature. It brought African storytelling to a global audience and challenged the prevailing Western narratives about Africa, and it remains a powerful and enduring work that offers valuable insights into the complexities of societal change, cultural clashes, and the resilience of human spirit in the face of profound transformation.

Arrow of God

Arrow of God is another of Achebe’s most prominent and influential novels, published in 1964. Set in a fictional Igbo village called Umuaro during the early twentieth century, it explores the collision between traditional Igbo religious and cultural practices and the forces of colonialism, Christianity, and modernization. The novel centers around Ezeulu, the high priest of Ulu, the Igbo god of land and the community's protector. Ezeulu is revered and holds significant influence over his people, however, conflicts arise when colonial officials and Christian missionaries begin encroaching upon Umuaro. Ezeulu faces a moral dilemma between his loyalty to his gods, the expectations of his people, and the disruptive forces of change.

Similar to Things Fall Apart, Arrow of God delves into the detrimental effects of colonialism on traditional societies, along with the clash between indigenous beliefs and the imposition of Christianity and colonial governance leading to upheaval. The novel also explores the complexities of leadership, authority, and the responsibilities that come with it through Ezeulu's struggles with power dynamics within his community and the interference of external forces.

Achebe's writing in Arrow of God is characterized by its vivid imagery, detailed descriptions of Igbo traditions, and the use of Igbo language and proverbs. He skillfully weaves together the oral storytelling traditions with a narrative structure that captures the cultural nuances of the Igbo society and the detriment of colonization to it, further solidifying Achebe's reputation as a master storyteller and an insightful commentator on the impacts of colonialism. It continues to be studied and celebrated today for its rich depiction of Igbo culture, its exploration of complex moral dilemmas, and its broader themes of societal change and resistance.

A Man of the People

A Man of the People, published in 1966, is a satirical portrayal of Nigerian politics and society in the period just before and after the country gained independence from British colonial rule. The story is known and praised for the manner in which it vividly captures the political corruption, power struggles, and disillusionment with post-independence governance. The novel is narrated by Odili Samalu, a young schoolteacher in an unnamed African country, and the story revolves around Chief Nanga, a charismatic and opportunistic politician who rises to power. Odili admires Nanga but becomes disillusioned when he discovers the extent of Nanga's corruption and manipulation, and as Odili's political consciousness grows, he becomes involved in opposition politics, leading to a clash with Nanga.

The novel delves into themes of power, betrayal, and disillusionment as its foremost concerns. Odili's disillusionment with Nanga symbolizes the broader disillusionment of the Nigerian people at that time with their political leaders, revealing the betrayal of trust and the abuse of power that ultimately led to a coup the same year this book was published. As such, this book provides valuable insight into the challenges faced by postcolonial African nations as they grappled with the complexities of governance, corruption, and the struggle for national development.

Achebe's writing in A Man of the People is marked by its satirical tone and incisive social commentary. He uses wit, irony, and humor to expose the flaws and contradictions in the political system, making a scathing critique of the post-independence era. And the novel remains relevant and influential, not only in Nigeria, but worldwide in discussions about governance, corruption, and politics in postcolonial societies. Achebe's sharp commentary and insightful portrayal of political dynamics shed light on the complexities of power and governance in a newly independent nation and continue to make A Man of the People a compelling read fifty years-removed from the inspiring events. It remains one of the highlights of Chinua Achebe’s writing career. 

Influence & Legacy

Chinua Achebe's legacy and influence in the world of literature, African culture, and beyond have been immense. Achebe is often referred to as the "Father of African Literature in English," not only gaining international acclaim through his writing, but also laying the foundation for more African writers to tell their stories in their own voices and break away from the colonial narratives that had dominated literature about Africa. Achebe's commitment to representing African culture and traditions authentically was pivotal to his success and legacy. His writing highlighted the richness and complexity of African societies, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions prevalent in Western literature, along with decolonizing African literature. By asserting African perspectives, languages, and storytelling traditions, he inspired a generation of African writers to embrace their heritage and cultural identity in their literary endeavors.

Achebe's novels and essays have also been extensively studied in academic circles, influencing literary criticism and postcolonial studies immensely. His insightful commentary on colonialism, cultural identity, and the intersection of tradition and modernity has been a cornerstone in contemporary discussions regarding African literature and postcolonial theory.

Today, Chinua Achebe's legacy continues to shape contemporary literature and intellectual discourse, leaving an indelible mark on African literary traditions, global storytelling, and the ongoing conversation about identity, culture, and colonial legacies. His contributions remain highly influential and continue to inspire writers and thinkers around the world.

Writing Advice & What We Can Take from His Work

Despite not publishing a specific writing guide, Chinua Achebe’s insights on writing can be gleaned from interviews, speeches, and essays. Primarily, he emphasized the importance of authenticity and writing from one's own cultural and personal perspective. He was a fierce advocate for African writers to tell their stories in their own voices, rooted in their experiences and cultural backgrounds, and believed that literature should reflect the richness of one's culture.

Achebe considered writing, at its core, to be a means of addressing social and political issues. He encouraged writers to use their platform to shed light on societal injustices, political turmoil, and cultural clashes, contributing to positive change through their work, even if it might be tedious or tumultuous. 

And like many other prominent writers, Achebe also emphasized the importance of reading extensively. He believed that exposure to various literary works helps writers understand different writing styles, themes, and narrative techniques, thereby enriching their own writing, and that you have as much to gain through reading as you do in trying to put your own thoughts down. Ultimately, if you’re reading, you’re getting better at writing!