Chinua Achebe’s novel No Longer At Ease describes the twilight zone between the
British rule of Nigeria and the country’s independence. It is a transitional period during which
the Whites are leaving the country and the natives are getting responsible for their own lives;
colonialism is giving way to a post-colonial situation. Nigerians are now forced to negotiate the
claims of both colonial modernity and their previously degraded African mode of life. The
period of transition is one in which binary oppositions (colonial vs. African, modernity vs.
tradition) seem to be collapsing, unveiling what Mudimbe calls “the strong tension between a
modernity that often is an illusion of development, and a tradition that sometimes reflects a poor
image of a mythical past” (5).
No Longer At Ease was first published in 1960, the year of Nigeria's independence from
England. This is significant because it is a novel that pertains to a trend of literature called postcolonial
literature that still survives. There are many issues that arise out of post-colonialism,
issues that authors and writers around the world have had to deal with. Africa, India, and the
West Indies all have come out of the colonial era with a new literature that must address the
problems that colonialism left behind. Some of the problems in post-colonial regions concern
language, education, the conflict between traditional ways and Western or European ways, the
presence of the English, and corruption. Those who later moved into the land of the colonizer
(for instance, Obi, while studying in England) experience an entire set of new problems such as
nostalgia for home, memory, and the desire for the homeland. When Obi returns from his studies
in England, he is an honest idealistic young man. He takes a high paying job in the civil service
but soon finds that his salary is not sufficient to meet the financial demands made upon him. He
also gets involved with a woman his parents and the clan despise. In the end he is caught taking
bribes and is sent to prison. [...]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Obi Okonkwo as a 'postcolonial subject'
- No Longer At Ease: A Novel of Transition
- Obi's Education and the Conflict of Cultures
- Return to Nigeria and the Expectations of the Umuofians
- Obi's Mistakes and Failures
Objectives and Key Themes
This preview analyzes Chinua Achebe's No Longer at Ease, focusing on Obi Okonkwo's experience as a postcolonial subject navigating the complexities of a newly independent Nigeria. The analysis explores the novel's depiction of the clash between traditional African culture and Western influences, examining how this conflict shapes Obi's identity and ultimately leads to his downfall.
- The impact of colonialism on post-independence Nigeria
- The conflict between tradition and modernity
- The complexities of identity and cultural hybridity
- The role of education in shaping individual and societal perspectives
- Corruption and its societal consequences
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the analysis of No Longer at Ease, framing Obi Okonkwo's journey as a microcosm of the broader postcolonial experience in Nigeria. It highlights the novel's exploration of the tension between colonial modernity and traditional African life, a central theme that unfolds throughout the narrative. The introduction establishes the context of postcolonial literature and the challenges faced by individuals caught between two worlds.
Obi Okonkwo as a 'postcolonial subject': This section delves into the complexities of Obi Okonkwo's identity as a postcolonial subject. It explores his internal conflict between his inherited Igbo culture and the Western education he received in England. This section lays the groundwork for understanding Obi’s actions and the consequences he faces due to his position in this transitional period.
No Longer At Ease: A Novel of Transition: This chapter analyzes the novel's depiction of the transitional period in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerians as they negotiate the legacy of colonialism and the realities of independence. The summary will explore the collapse of binary oppositions and the disillusionment inherent in the pursuit of a "modernity" that often fails to deliver on its promises of development. The year of publication (1960, Nigeria’s independence) is also a crucial element discussed.
Obi's Education and the Conflict of Cultures: This chapter focuses on the significant role of Obi's education in England in shaping his identity and his subsequent struggles. The section will explore the irony of Obi studying English literature instead of law, a choice that ultimately contributes to his alienation from his own culture and his inability to navigate the complexities of postcolonial Nigeria. The chapter analyzes the expectations placed upon him by his community and the internal conflict this generates. The analysis considers how his education both empowers and hinders him in his life.
Return to Nigeria and the Expectations of the Umuofians: This chapter summarizes Obi's return to Nigeria and the expectations placed upon him by his community. The analysis will explore the clash between Obi's Westernized worldview and the traditional values of Umuofia. This section will detail the reception held in his honor and the cultural misunderstandings that arise. The summary will examine how the Umuofians’ expectations and Obi's failure to meet them contribute to his downfall.
Obi's Mistakes and Failures: This section analyzes the mistakes Obi makes upon his return, and how these choices stem from his conflicted identity and his inability to reconcile his Western education with his traditional heritage. The chapter explores the consequences of his actions, highlighting the complexities of his situation and the societal pressures that contribute to his downfall. The analysis considers the significance of the “been-to” status and its impact on Obi's expectations and behavior.
Keywords
Postcolonialism, Nigeria, Chinua Achebe, No Longer at Ease, Obi Okonkwo, tradition, modernity, colonialism, identity, cultural hybridity, education, corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chinua Achebe's *No Longer at Ease*
What is this HTML document about?
This HTML document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of Chinua Achebe's novel, *No Longer at Ease*. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on Obi Okonkwo's experience as a postcolonial subject navigating the complexities of newly independent Nigeria.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis of *No Longer at Ease*?
The analysis explores several key themes, including the impact of colonialism on post-independence Nigeria, the conflict between tradition and modernity, the complexities of identity and cultural hybridity, the role of education in shaping individual and societal perspectives, and corruption and its societal consequences. The central focus is on Obi Okonkwo's struggle to reconcile his Western education with his traditional Igbo heritage.
What is the significance of Obi Okonkwo's character in the novel?
Obi Okonkwo serves as a microcosm of the broader postcolonial experience in Nigeria. His internal conflict between his inherited Igbo culture and his Western education exemplifies the challenges faced by individuals caught between two worlds. The analysis examines how this conflict shapes his identity and ultimately leads to his downfall.
What is covered in each chapter summary?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each section of the analysis. They cover the introduction, Obi Okonkwo's identity as a postcolonial subject, *No Longer at Ease* as a novel of transition, the impact of Obi's education and the conflict of cultures, Obi's return to Nigeria and the expectations of the Umuofians, and finally, Obi's mistakes and failures. Each summary highlights key events and themes within the corresponding section of the analysis.
What is the role of education in the novel, according to the analysis?
The analysis emphasizes the significant role of Obi's education in England in shaping his identity and subsequent struggles. It explores the irony of his choice to study English literature instead of law, contributing to his alienation from his own culture and his inability to fully navigate the complexities of postcolonial Nigeria. The analysis considers how his education both empowers and hinders him.
What are the key words associated with the analysis of *No Longer at Ease*?
Key words associated with the analysis include: Postcolonialism, Nigeria, Chinua Achebe, *No Longer at Ease*, Obi Okonkwo, tradition, modernity, colonialism, identity, cultural hybridity, education, and corruption.
What is the overall objective of this academic preview?
The objective is to provide a structured and professional overview of an academic analysis of Chinua Achebe's *No Longer at Ease*, focusing on Obi Okonkwo's experiences within the context of postcolonial Nigeria. It aims to highlight the key themes and arguments of the full analysis.
For whom is this HTML document intended?
This document is intended for academic use, supporting the analysis of themes in Chinua Achebe's *No Longer at Ease* in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2002, Obi Okonkwo as a 'postcolonial subject' in Chinua Achebe's 'No Longer At Ease', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/23479
