Who Was Chinua Achebe? The Father of Modern African Literature

Chinua Achebe (1930–2013) was a Nigerian writer, professor, and critic, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature. His groundbreaking novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), is one of the most influential books in African literary history, offering a powerful response to colonial narratives and giving voice to African perspectives. Through his novels, essays, and critical works, Achebe reshaped global understanding of African culture, history, and identity.

Early Life and Education

Chinua Achebe was born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria, during British colonial rule. He grew up in a Christian family but was deeply influenced by Igbo traditions, folklore, and oral storytelling. This dual cultural exposure would later shape his writing, as he sought to portray the complexities of African society both before and after European colonization.

Achebe excelled academically and attended University College (now the University of Ibadan), where he studied English, history, and theology. It was during this time that he developed a deep interest in literature and began to challenge the Eurocentric portrayals of Africa he encountered in books like Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

Achebe’s Literary Career

Things Fall Apart (1958)

Achebe’s debut novel, Things Fall Apart, is a seminal work in postcolonial literature. It tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior whose life is upended by the arrival of British colonialists. The novel captures the complexities of pre-colonial African societies and critiques the destructive effects of European imperialism.

Its publication marked a turning point in African literature, as it presented an authentic African voice in English, challenging stereotypes and misrepresentations. The book has since been translated into more than 50 languages and remains widely studied worldwide.

Other Major Works

Following Things Fall Apart, Achebe wrote several other novels exploring colonialism, postcolonial struggles, and political corruption in Africa:

• No Longer at Ease (1960) – A sequel to Things Fall Apart, depicting the struggles of Okonkwo’s grandson in a newly independent Nigeria.
• Arrow of God (1964) – A novel about the tensions between traditional Igbo society and British colonial rule.
• A Man of the People (1966) – A satirical novel about political corruption in postcolonial Nigeria.
• Anthills of the Savannah (1987) – A powerful reflection on dictatorship and resistance in contemporary Africa.

Achebe as a Critic and Intellectual

Achebe was not just a novelist but also a fierce literary critic. In his essay An Image of Africa (1975), he famously condemned Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness for its racist portrayal of Africa. He argued that African literature should represent the dignity and complexity of African societies, rather than reinforcing Western prejudices.

His critical essays, collected in books like Morning Yet on Creation Day (1975) and Hopes and Impediments (1988), continue to influence discussions on African literature and postcolonial studies.

Later Life and Legacy

Achebe spent much of his later life as a professor, teaching in Nigeria, the United States, and other parts of the world. He remained a vocal advocate for African literature, history, and political integrity. In 2007, he was awarded the Man Booker International Prize for his lifetime contribution to literature.

Chinua Achebe passed away in 2013, but his influence endures. His works remain essential reading for those interested in African history, literature, and the effects of colonialism. Through his storytelling and scholarship, he redefined African literature, ensuring that African voices would be heard on the world stage.