Genre
Biography / Autobiography / Personal Narrative
Setting and Context
Set in Nigeria during the Biafran war from 1967–1970
Narrator and Point of View
It is narrated in first person from the point of view of Chinua Achebe.
Tone and Mood
Conversational, Solemn, Sentimental, Candid, Angry
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Chinua Achebe and the antagonist is the Nigerian Civil War and the atrocities against the Igbo people.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is the Nigeria–Biafra war that caused the deaths of a hundred thousand Nigerians particularly the Igbo people. The author delves into the political dynamic before and after the civil war to illustrate the injustices and corruption by government entities.
Climax
The climax could be the immense destruction and loss of human lives by the conclusion of the Nigeria–Biafra war.
Foreshadowing
“I can say that my whole artistic career was probably sparked by this tension between the Christian religion of my parents, which we followed in our home, and the retreating, older religion of my ancestors, which fortunately for me was still active outside my home.”
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The book alludes to the aspects that led to the Nigerian Civil War and the outcome of the conflict.
Imagery
The author evokes imagery of the hostilities and horrors of the civil war.
“Entire towns and villages, schools and farms in Biafra were destroyed. Roads and the rural areas were littered with landmines that continued to maim and kill unsuspecting pedestrians well after the hostilities ended.”
Paradox
“Within six years of this tragic colonial manipulation Nigeria was a cesspool of corruption and misrule. Public servants helped themselves freely to the nation’s wealth. Elections were blatantly rigged.”
The opening statement of the chapter “The Decline” showcases the paradox of post-independence Nigeria. Power had been handed over and yet the nation was not free from shackles of colonization and political corruption.
Parallelism
The author parallels the traditional and Western influences that influenced the social, political, and economic spheres in Nigeria.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The author personifies the nation, institutions, and factions that were part of the political conflicts.
