Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe, born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria, was a remarkable Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, acclaimed for his portrayals of African cultures and the challenges of colonialism. He passed away on March 21, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
Early Life and Education
Achebe was born in Ogidi, an Igbo town in southeastern Nigeria. As part of the Igbo people, his upbringing was steeped in traditional African customs and practices. Achebe's early education took place at Church Missionary Society's school, where he became proficient in English, which later influenced his literary career. He attended the University of Ibadan, originally studying medicine but later switching to English, history, and theology, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1953.
Literary Career
Achebe is best known for his groundbreaking novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), which has become a classic of African literature. It explores the complex dynamics of Igbo society and the impact of European colonialism and Christian missionaries. The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected leader and warrior in an Igbo village, whose life is disrupted by the arrival of foreigners.
Following the success of Things Fall Apart, Achebe wrote several other significant works, including No Longer at Ease (1960), which continues the story of Okonkwo’s descendants confronting new colonial influences. His other notable works include Arrow of God (1964) and A Man of the People (1966).
Achebe and Criticism
Achebe was also a prominent critic. He is well-known for his critique of Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness, where he argued that Conrad dehumanized Africans. This critique, presented in his 1975 lecture "An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness," sparked significant debate in literary circles regarding the portrayal of Africa in Western literature.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1990, Achebe was involved in an automobile accident in Nigeria, which left him partially paralyzed. Following this incident, he moved to the United States, where he taught at Bard College in New York and later at Brown University in Rhode Island. His contributions to literature and culture were recognized globally, culminating in the awarding of the Man Booker International Prize in 2007.
Achebe's work continues to be celebrated for its profound insights into African society and its challenges. He was an influential figure in establishing postcolonial African literature and remains a respected voice in literary criticism.