Who Is Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe Biography
Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and literary critic. He is considered one of the most important African writers of the 20th century, and is best known for his first novel, "Things Fall Apart," which has been translated into more than 50 languages and is considered a classic of African literature.
Achebe was born in Nigeria in 1930 and was raised in the Igbo tradition. He studied at the University of Ibadan and later worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. In 1958, he published "Things Fall Apart," which tells the story of the clash between traditional Igbo society and British colonialism in Nigeria. The Biography was an immediate success, and has since become a classic of African literature.
Achebe went on to write several more novels, including "No Longer at Ease" (1960), "Arrow of God" (1964), "A Man of the People" (1966), and "Anthills of the Savannah" (1987). He also wrote poetry, essays, and children's Biographys.
Achebe was also a literary critic and an influential voice in the African literary community. He was a professor of English at several universities and was also a visiting professor at many universities around the world.
Achebe died in 2013 at the age of 82. He left a rich literary legacy and continues to be widely read and studied.
Chinua Achebe Fast Facts
* Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic. He is best known for his first novel, "Things Fall Apart," which is considered a classic of African literature. The novel was published in 1958 and has been translated into over 50 languages.
* Achebe wrote several other novels, including "No Longer at Ease," "Arrow of God," and "A Man of the People." He also wrote short stories, essays, and poetry.
* Achebe was a strong advocate for the rights of the Igbo people of Nigeria and for the use of African languages in literature. He was also a professor at several universities, including Brown University and Bard College.
* Achebe received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, the Nigerian National Merit Award, and the Man Biographyer International Prize. He passed away in 2013.
Life Highlights
Early Life and Cultural Background:
Chinua Achebe was born on November 16, 1930, in Saint Simon's Church, Nneobi, near the Igbo village of Ogidi, within the British colony of Nigeria. He was baptized as Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe. His father, Isaiah Okafo Achebe, was a teacher and evangelist, while his mother, Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam, hailed from a prominent family in Awka and had a strong role in the church community and agriculture. Growing up, Achebe's family was at the crossroads of traditional Igbo culture and Christian influences, significantly shaping his upbringing.
Family and Early Influences:
Chinua Achebe's parents, having embraced the Protestant Church Mission Society (CMS), combined Christian beliefs with their respect for traditional practices. The family had six surviving children, each given names that blended elements of their new faith and indigenous culture. After the birth of their youngest daughter, the family moved to Ogidi, Isaiah Achebe's ancestral town in Anambra state. Storytelling was intrinsic to Igbo tradition and played a central role in the community. Achebe's mother and sister would regale him with stories during his childhood, fostering his love for narrative.
Education and Intellectual Development:
In 1936, Achebe began his primary education at St. Philips' Central School in Ogidi's Akpakaogwe region. Despite briefly being placed in a religious class, his intelligence quickly earned him a promotion to a higher class. Known for his exceptional handwriting and reading skills, he continued his studies at Government College Umuahia, a prestigious institution in Abia State. Throughout his formative years, Achebe engaged with his father's reading materials, which included collages, almanacs, and books such as Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and an Igbo version of Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress." He eagerly anticipated and participated in traditional village events, absorbing the cultural richness of masquerade ceremonies.
Academic Progression:
As Achebe's education continued, he joined Nekede Central School near Owerri in 1942, excelling in his studies and even passing entrance exams for two colleges. A strong foundation in both traditional Igbo culture and Christianity, alongside exposure to literature and storytelling, laid the groundwork for Achebe's future endeavors as a writer.
Higher Education and Shifting Ambitions:
In 1948, Nigeria's inaugural university, University College (now the University of Ibadan), opened its doors in anticipation of the nation's forthcoming independence. Chinua Achebe was part of the university's first intake, having received a scholarship to study medicine. However, his outlook transformed during his time there. As he delved into Western literature's portrayal of Africa, Achebe grew critical of works like Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." A pivotal moment came when he encountered Joyce Cary's "Mister Johnson," which depicted Nigerian characters as either savages or caricatures. This exposure to cultural insensitivity stirred his decision to shift his academic path from medicine to English, history, and theology, despite the ensuing loss of his scholarship. Achebe's family and the government rallied to support his decision through financial assistance.
Emergence as an Author and Cultural Observer:
Achebe's literary journey commenced in 1950 with his contribution to the University Herald, titled "Polar Undergraduate." Infused with irony and humor, the piece celebrated the intellectual vitality of his peers. His subsequent essays and letters, often centered on philosophical and academic freedom, appeared in publications such as The Bug. In 1951, Achebe served as the editor of the Herald, and his inaugural short story, "In a Village Church," humorously explored the fusion of rural Nigerian life with Christian symbols. His time at Ibadan saw the creation of additional short stories, including "The Old Order in Conflict with the New" (1952) and "Dead Men's Path" (1953), all grappling with the interplay between tradition and modernity. The arrival of Geoffrey Parrinder, a professor of comparative religion, sparked Achebe's interest in Christian history and traditional African beliefs.
Post-Graduation Choices:
After completing his studies at Ibadan in 1953 with a second-class degree, Achebe was unsettled by not achieving the highest level of academic distinction. Returning to his hometown, Ogidi, he contemplated his future. A turning point emerged when a friend from university encouraged him to apply for an English teaching position at the Merchants of Light school in Oba. Despite its humble infrastructure and a library barely worth mentioning, Achebe accepted the opportunity to teach at the institution, situated on a section of land considered spiritually adverse by locals due to supposed malevolent spirits.
Educator and Literary Progress:
Transitioning into a teaching role, Achebe advocated for extensive reading and originality among his students. Recognizing their limited access to newspapers, he personally provided reading material in the classroom. His four-month stint as a teacher in Oba was marked by a dedication to nurturing his students' intellectual growth. His commitment extended beyond the classroom, reflecting his belief in the power of education.
Career Move to Lagos:
In 1954, Achebe left teaching and relocated to Lagos, where he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS), a radio network initiated by the colonial government in 1933. Assigned to the Talks Department, he honed his skills in preparing scripts for oral delivery. This experience deepened his understanding of the nuances between written and spoken language, a crucial foundation for his future endeavors in crafting realistic dialogue. Immersed in Lagos' bustling urban environment and vibrant cultural landscape, Achebe was captivated by the city's dynamic social and political dynamics, which influenced his writing.
Literary Endeavors and Influences:
Lagos served as the backdrop for Achebe's burgeoning writing career. The dearth of African fiction in English posed a challenge, with only a few exceptions like Amos Tutuola's "Palm-Wine Drinkard" and Cyprian Ekwensi's "People of the City." Undeterred, Achebe embarked on creating a novel. The year 1956 proved pivotal for him, as it saw Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Nigeria, which underscored issues of colonialism and politics and deeply impacted Achebe's perspective.
Quest for Improvement and International Exposure:
In 1956, Achebe's literary journey took him beyond Nigeria's borders. He was selected for staff training at the BBC, affording him an opportunity to enhance his technical production skills. He also utilized this trip to seek feedback on his novel, which was eventually split into two books. During his stay in London, Achebe met novelist Gilbert Phelps, sharing his manuscript. Phelps responded with enthusiasm, expressing interest in showing it to his editor and publishers. Achebe, however, recognized that more refinement was needed and chose to withhold the work for further development.
Crafting "Things Fall Apart":
Upon his return to Nigeria, Achebe embarked on refining his novel, which he titled "Things Fall Apart," inspired by a line from W.B. Yeats' poem "The Second Coming." Focusing on the story of Okonkwo, a yam farmer living during Nigeria's colonization, Achebe meticulously reworked his manuscript. He eliminated the second and third sections, concentrating solely on Okonkwo's struggle with his father's debts and legacy. Achebe not only revised existing sections but also added new ones and improved various chapters, enhancing the overall narrative structure.
Trials and Triumphs of Publishing:
In 1957, Achebe sent his handwritten manuscript to a London-based typing service after seeing an advertisement in The Spectator. The delay in response prompted his boss at NBS, Angela Beattie, to intervene during her visit to London. Her intervention proved crucial, as she forced the company to attend to Achebe's manuscript. Had it not been for her intervention, Achebe might have abandoned his writing ambitions. The next year, Achebe sent his novel to an agent recommended by Gilbert Phelps, initiating its journey to publication. Several publishing houses rejected the manuscript, claiming that African fiction lacked market potential. However, Heinemann took a different stance, with an educational adviser praising it as the best novel he had encountered since the war. On June 17, 1958, Heinemann released 2,000 hardcover copies of "Things Fall Apart," virtually untouched from Achebe's original manuscript.
Critical Reception and Challenges:
The novel garnered praise from the British press, with critic Walter Allen and novelist Angus Wilson offering positive reviews. Three days after publication, The Times Literary Supplement lauded the book's ability to present tribal life authentically. In Nigeria, initial reception was mixed. While some reviews celebrated Achebe's vivid portrayal of Igbo life, others greeted the idea of a significant novel from an alumnus with skepticism. Despite challenges, Achebe's work was gaining recognition.
Personal and Professional Development:
As "Things Fall Apart" was published in 1958, Achebe's career at NBS advanced. He was promoted and tasked with overseeing the network's Eastern region coverage. Concurrently, Achebe's romantic relationship with Christiana Chinwe (Christie) Okoli blossomed. The couple moved to Enugu, where Achebe continued to balance his administrative duties with his burgeoning writing career.
Continuing Literary Endeavors:
In 1960, Achebe published "No Longer at Ease," a novel centered around Obi, a civil servant and the grandson of the main character in "Things Fall Apart." Obi becomes entangled in the corruption of Lagos, mirroring the tumultuous experiences of Nigerian youth during that era. The narrative explores the clash between Obi's traditional clan culture, family values, and home village, and the challenges posed by his government job and modern society.
Rockefeller Fellowship and East African Exploration:
That same year, Achebe received a Rockefeller Fellowship, which marked a significant milestone in his writing career. The fellowship facilitated a six-month journey across East Africa. Achebe's travels commenced in Kenya, where he was confronted with an immigration form requiring him to identify his ethnicity. The forced categorization as "Other" left him both bemused and disturbed. Achebe's experiences in Tanganyika and Zanzibar unveiled the patronizing attitudes of non-African elites and hotel staff. In Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he defiantly occupied a whites-only section of a bus, asserting his right to equality.
Exploring Language and Identity:
Achebe's exploration also revealed the emergence of Swahili as a significant African language. He observed its widespread use and prominence in radio broadcasts. Despite this, he noted a certain indifference among people toward literature written in Swahili. Achebe met Sheikh Shaaban Robert, a poet who lamented the challenges he faced in publishing his Swahili-language work. This experience highlighted the complexities of language and literary preservation.
International Encounters and Concerns:
In 1962, Achebe embarked on another journey, this time to the United States and Brazil, as part of a Fellowship for Creative Artists awarded by UNESCO. He engaged with notable American writers like Ralph Ellison and Arthur Miller. In Brazil, Achebe discussed the intricacies of writing in Portuguese with fellow authors, expressing concerns about the potential loss of the nation's rich literary heritage if left untranslated into more widely spoken languages.
Professional Growth and Advocacy:
Upon returning to Nigeria in 1961, Achebe's career at NBS continued to thrive as he ascended to the role of Director of External Broadcasting. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Voice of Nigeria (VON) network, which made its debut broadcast on New Year's Day 1962. However, VON faced challenges in maintaining impartiality during a state of emergency declared by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in response to political conflicts. Achebe was disheartened by the evidence of corruption and the suppression of political dissent.
Literary Engagements and Cultural Dialogue:
Achebe's engagement with the literary world extended beyond Nigeria's borders. In 1962, he attended an executive conference of African writers in English at Makerere University College in Kampala, Uganda. During the conference, Achebe engaged with luminaries like Kofi Awoonor, Wole Soyinka, and Langston Hughes. Discussions encompassed the inclusion of diasporic writing within the realm of African literature. While Achebe regarded this question as insignificant at the time, he highlighted the importance of community among voices both within and beyond the continent.
Championing African Literature:
Achebe's commitment to promoting African literature was evident during his time at Makerere. Impressed by a student's novel, he facilitated the publication of James Ngugi's "Weep Not, Child" through Heinemann. He also recommended works by Flora Nwapa. As the General Editor of the African Writers Series, Achebe contributed to the wider availability of postcolonial African literature. This expansion led to a proliferation of reviews and essays about African literature, especially from Europe.
Articulating Literary Perspectives:
In response to critiques from international authors, Achebe published an essay titled "Where Angels Fear to Tread" in Nigeria Magazine in 1962. The essay delineated three types of critics—hostile, amazed, and conscious—and criticized those who evaluated African writers from an external standpoint. He asserted that understanding another's worldview required speaking their language in the broadest sense. Achebe's keen insights and strong stance on cultural understanding garnered attention.
Personal and Literary Evolution:
In 1961, Achebe married Christie Okoli, and their family expanded with the birth of three children: Chinelo, Ikechukwu, and Chidi. Concerned about the racially biased perspectives prevalent in their children's school, Achebe published his first children's book, "Chike and the River," in 1966. This work aimed to address some of the biases and misrepresentations present in educational materials.
"Arrow of God": Artistic and Thematic Exploration:
Achebe's third novel, "Arrow of God," emerged in 1964. Inspired by the tale of a Chief Priest's imprisonment and his encounter with Igbo artifacts, Achebe blended historical narratives to craft this work. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows Chief Priest Ezeulu in the village of Umuaro as he grapples with the encroaching forces of British imperialism. Achebe's exploration of tradition versus Christianity and the novel's tragic trajectory resonated with critics.
A Man of the People (1966–1967):
Achebe's fourth novel, "A Man of the People," was published in 1966. This bleak satire is set in an unnamed newly-independent African state and follows Odili Samalu, a teacher from Anata village, who challenges the corrupt Minister of Culture, Nanga, for a parliamentary seat. The timing of the novel's publication coincided eerily with real-world events, as Achebe's friend John Pepper Clark noted similarities between the story and the political landscape in Nigeria. Shortly after the novel's release, the Nigerian Armed Forces took control of the northern region in a coup, followed by a brutal crackdown and violent incidents targeting Igbo Nigerians.
Nigeria-Biafra War (1967–1970):
In response to the escalating tensions, the southeastern region of Nigeria declared itself the Republic of Biafra in 1967, leading to the Nigerian Civil War. During the conflict, Achebe and his family narrowly escaped danger on multiple occasions, and his friend Christopher Okigbo lost his life in the war. Achebe's response to this tragedy was expressed in poetry, and he wrote "Dirge for Okigbo" in memory of his friend. Achebe's family relocated multiple times as the war intensified, and he continued to write poems, which were collected in the book "Beware, Soul Brother" (1971). His poem "Refugee Mother and Child" eloquently conveyed the suffering and loss caused by the conflict.
Advocacy and Diplomacy:
During the war, Achebe's commitment to the Biafran cause led him to serve as a foreign ambassador, advocating for awareness and support in Europe and North America. He chaired the National Guidance Committee, contributing to principles for the post-war era. In 1969, he joined fellow writers Cyprian Ekwensi and Gabriel Okara on a US tour to raise awareness about Biafra's plight, though he encountered disturbing racist attitudes during the tour. Despite the group's efforts, Biafra surrendered to Nigeria in 1970, marking the end of the state.
Rebuilding and Return to Academia:
In the aftermath of the war, Achebe returned with his family to Ogidi, where their home had been destroyed. He accepted a position at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka and once again immersed himself in academia. However, due to his support for Biafra, the Nigerian government revoked his passport, preventing him from accepting international invitations. Achebe continued to contribute to his literary legacy, as he and his wife welcomed another daughter in 1970, named Nwando.
Post-War Period and Literary Contributions:
After the Nigeria-Biafra War, Achebe continued to contribute significantly to the literary and cultural landscape. In 1971, he played a pivotal role in founding two magazines: Okike, a literary journal that focused on African art, fiction, and poetry; and Nsukkascope, an internal publication of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Additionally, he and the Okike committee established Uwa Ndi Igbo, a cultural magazine dedicated to showcasing the indigenous stories and oral traditions of the Igbo community. Achebe's literary output during this time included "Girls at War," a collection of short stories released in 1972, which marked the 100th book in Heinemann's African Writers Series.
Academic Pursuits in the United States:
In 1972, Achebe was offered a professorship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, prompting the family's move to the United States. This move was partly influenced by Achebe's desire to address his youngest daughter's language challenges in a new nursery school. During his time at the university, Achebe engaged with a diverse range of students and taught a single class to a large audience. He began to delve into the perceptions of Africa in Western scholarship and encountered prevailing stereotypes that he sought to challenge.
Criticizing Conrad's "Heart of Darkness":
In 1975, Achebe delivered a Chancellor's Lecture at Amherst, titled "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness." In this lecture, Achebe strongly criticized Joseph Conrad's novel, "Heart of Darkness," for its dehumanizing portrayal of Africans and Africa. Achebe labeled Conrad as a "bloody racist" and argued that the novel perpetuates a negative and prejudiced view of the continent. This criticism sparked controversy among the English professors in attendance, but it also gained traction and has since become a mainstream perspective on Conrad's work. Achebe's essay has been included in critical editions of "Heart of Darkness," and his critique has significantly impacted discussions and interpretations of the novel.
Retirement, Political Engagement, and Social Commentary:
Following his time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Achebe returned to the University of Nigeria in 1976, where he held a chair in English until his retirement in 1981. During this period, he continued to contribute to Okike and became involved with the People's Redemption Party (PRP), holding the position of deputy national vice-president. He authored "The Trouble with Nigeria" in 1983, expressing his concerns about the leadership and politics in the country. He criticized the lack of responsibility and ethical behavior among leaders, a sentiment that resonated with his earlier works. Despite his engagement with the PRP, he grew disillusioned with Nigerian politics due to perceived dishonesty and weakness among the politicians.
Later Activities and Involvement:
Throughout the 1980s, Achebe remained active by delivering speeches, participating in conferences, and working on his sixth novel. In 1986, he was elected president-general of the Ogidi Town Union, a position he reluctantly accepted. He also stepped down as the editor of Okike in the same year.
"Anthills of the Savannah" and Later Works:
In 1987, Achebe released his fifth novel, "Anthills of the Savannah," which explored the theme of a military coup in the fictional West African nation of Kangan. The novel was a finalist for the Booker Prize and received praise for its fusion of myth, legend, and modern styles. Achebe's skillful storytelling was noted as an antidote to negative perceptions of Africa often presented by outsiders. Although "Anthills of the Savannah" did not win the Booker Prize, it garnered significant acclaim and reinforced Achebe's position as a respected literary figure.
Accident and Life in the United States:
On 22 March 1990, Achebe was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that left him paralyzed from the waist down due to a severe spinal injury. He was flown to the Paddocks Hospital in England for treatment and rehabilitation. Despite the challenges of his paralysis, Achebe continued to contribute to the literary world and academia. He assumed the Charles P. Stevenson Professor of Languages and Literature position at Bard College in New York and remained in the role for over fifteen years. During this time, he also actively engaged in Nigerian politics, speaking out against the power seizure by General Sani Abacha.
Later Literary and Academic Contributions:
In 2000, Achebe published "Home and Exile," a semi-biographical collection of essays that delved into his experiences of living away from Nigeria and also discussed the emerging field of Native American literature. He continued to receive recognition for his contributions to literature and was awarded the Man Booker International Prize in 2007. This award was seen as a correction of the oversight in not previously honoring the founding father of African literature with international accolades. Achebe's presence in the literary and academic spheres remained strong, with positions at various institutions, including Brown University.
Final Works and Passing:
In 2012, Achebe published "There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra," a work that reopened discussions about the Nigerian Civil War. This would be his final publication during his lifetime. Chinua Achebe passed away on 21 March 2013 in Boston, United States, after a brief illness. His death marked the loss of a literary giant who was revered worldwide for his ability to depict life in Africa with depth and authenticity. Achebe was buried in his hometown of Ogidi, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence literature, thought, and discourse about Africa.
Chinua Achebe Top Quotes
"One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised" (Meaning)
"A functioning, robust democracy requires a healthy educated, participatory followership, and an educated, morally grounded leadership." (Meaning)
"When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool." (Meaning)
"I tell my students, it's not difficult to identify with somebody like yourself, somebody next door who looks like you. What's more difficult is to identify with someone you don't see, who's very far away, who's a different color, who eats a different kind of food. When you begin to do that then literature is really performing its wonders."
"The whole idea of a stereotype is to simplify. Instead of going through the problem of all this great diversity - that it's this or maybe that - you have just one large statement; it is this." (Meaning)
"It's not difficult to identify with somebody like yourself, somebody next door who looks like you. What's more difficult is to identify with someone you don't see, who's very far away, who's a different color, who eats a different kind of food. When you begin to do that then literature is really performing its wonders." (Meaning)
* The editor of this short biography made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any quotes, facts, or key life events. If you're looking to expand your personal development, I recommend exploring other people's life stories and gaining inspiration from my collection of inspiring quotes. Exposing yourself to different perspectives can broaden your worldview and help you with your personal growth.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
