THE NOVELIST AS TEACHER - Chinua Achebe

CHINUA ACHEBE: THE NOVELIST AS TEACHER

“The Novelist as Teacher” is an exploration of the role of the writer in general and of the African writer in particular.

There is much difference between the European writer and his African counterpart. The European writer with beard and outlandish dress tries to hook the attention of the readers through his strange exterior. He plays only a peripheral role. Achebe’s concern is quite different. He says that it is a writer’s responsibility to fulfil the tasks that the society imposes on him. A writer is not a parasite, living on the society. He should be a teacher, guiding people who are groping in the dark.

Achebe refers to the expectations of some students and teachers. A student by name Baba Yero Mafindi once wrote to him, appreciating his novels. Achebe’s novels teach young generation. Another wrote a funny letter that Achebe’s novels would be useful if he appended answers to the questions in exams. He is a mediocre student who wants a guide for Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”. A lady teacher wanted Achebe to present in his novels such young men who would resist parental pressure and marry the woman of his own choice. The teacher does not like Achebe’s novel. ‘No longer at Ease’ because, the young men in this novel yields to his father’s wish and turns back on his lover. The teacher cannot attune herself to Achebe’s realism.

Achebe says that a writer should not become an object slave, catering to the whims of the audience. He should have his own vision to promote. A Nigerian journalist attacks what he branded “ the soulless efficiency of industrialisation” But Achebe is a realist. He is free from clichés. He says that efficiency is essential for the development of Africa.

Achebe says that change is the law of life. Flux and reflux are inevitable. In the pat, Maypole dance was the only outlet for an African woman. But now even school girls dance voluptuously western dances during festivals. Women used only earthen pots to carry water in the past. But now it has disappeared. They use metal wares.

Achebe does not welcome all changes. Westernisation has bred contempt in the minds of Africans towards their culture. A black boy avoided writing about African dusty wind harmattan, but he loves western season of winter. For him both palm tree and harmattan have pristine beauty.

Achebe welcomes movements like African democracy and socialism. They are calculated to restore African culture to its pristine glory. Achebe sides with patriots like Ezekiel and Ghanaian philosopher William Abraham. Achebe is hopeful that African culture has a bright future.