LANGUAGE TWO ADVANCED LEVEL (TOPIC 5)

Themes in S. Ndunguru’s Divine Providence

1. Betrayal

To break someone’s trust:

Hosanna betrays Richard (goes against the vows, starts having an affair, plans to murder him; Richard also betrayed her by running away from their baby).
Dr. Mawalla betrayed Malipula Alale.

2. Crime

Terror international (international crime)
Stolen goods (watches)
Murder of Alale
Suicide (Dr. Mawalla)
Attempted murder – Hosanna
Mrs. Mawalla

3. Conflicts

Internal:

Hosanna

External:

Richard and Hosanna
Richard and Mrs. Mawalla
Terror international and the British government

4. Role of Women in Society

Use the positive traits of Hosanna.

Women can change from bad to good.

Grace Watua

Hardworking
Brave
Contributing to society
Loving mother and good wife

Pauline

Caring
Consoling (Hosanna)

Kristina

Courageous

Marietta

Strong-willed

5. Bravery

Grace Watua
Richard
Kristina

6. Role of Religion

Religious institutions – social service, faith, and counseling.

7. Patriotism

Feeling of love towards your country. Richard comes back to Africa to build a hospital and promote justice. Police duty toward heroism. Kristina gives evidence about the loss of the dagger.

8. Corruption

Misuse of office or power for personal interests.

9. Protest

A reaction against any unwanted situation.

Active – demonstrate, boycott, chaos
Passive – singing, poems, novels

10. Alienation

Moving away, usually by use of force, direct or indirect.

A Man of the People (By C. Achebe)

Synopsis of the Novel

A Man of the People is a novel reflecting most African countries after independence, where many leaders show moral decay to their citizens.

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Through the central character (Chief Nanga), leaders are portrayed as corrupt. Chief Nanga possesses luxurious cars and mansions. As Minister for Culture, he misuses public funds for his benefit.

This shows the dishonesty of some leaders and how they secure positions in government.

Not only leaders, but the author also shows how citizens are blinded by their leaders pretending to be good while they are not. The narrator tells us that the Anata Grammar School hall was full of villagers waiting for the Honourable Minister Chief Mirah A. Nanga to address them. This is an obstacle to the few people like Odili who have realized that Chief Nanga is not a good leader as he supports bad decisions made by the PM, believing that only by doing so will he secure his position.

The author also shows that in African countries, privileged people continue to exploit the unprivileged. This is shown through Josiah, who owns a shop and bar and exploits customers by selling commodities at higher prices. He also steals Anzages’ stock to get richer.

Together with the central theme, the author shows minor themes like ignorance, conflicts, poverty, protest, betrayal, nepotism, immorality, irresponsibility, cultural imperialism, sacrifice, etc.

The author wants to make us aware that we need to fight against corruption as it is an obstacle to societal development.

Form

The Title

The title A Man of the People is satirical/ironical as Chinua Achebe wants to tell us that a man considered a man of the people is not, because of some features observed in him (Chief Nanga), e.g., being a womanizer, helping Edina for self-interest, using public funds for personal benefits, nepotism, etc.

The Setting

A Man of the People is an imaginary (fictional) novel as Chinua Achebe uses imaginary towns like Bori and villages like Urua and Anata. Though students believe the setting is Nigeria, apart from the pidgin used, there is no other evidence supporting this. It is obvious that other works of Achebe are set in Nigeria, but this novel uses an imaginary setting to be safe regarding issues raised that directly involve the government.

The Plot

The plot refers to the arrangement of events in the novel. Chinua Achebe uses a chronological plot from beginning to end. The novel has thirteen chapters:

Chapter 1: The narrator introduces Honourable Minister Chief Nanga and his visit to Anata Grammar School.
Chapter 2: Chief Nanga invites Odili to visit Bori.
Chapter 3: Odili visits his home village Urua before journeying to the capital. Odili describes Ezekiah’s family and explains that living with Chief Nanga makes him know many things others do not. Odili is surprised that Chief Nanga’s house has seven bathrooms, each with a WC.
Chapter 5: Odili and Nanga are invited by Jean and John to a party on Saturday. Odili and Jean exchange ideas.
Chapter 6: Odili explains his relationship with Elsie and the book exhibition.
Chapter 7: Chief Nanga as a politician, the visit of editor Julio, the love affair between Nanga and Elsie. Odili becomes furious with Elsie’s behavior and leaves Chief Nanga’s home to live with his friend Maxwell.
Chapter 8: At Maxwell’s home, Odili recalls Elsie’s betrayal. Odili and Maxwell discuss their new political party CPC (Common People’s Convention).
Chapter 9: Discussion about Josiah’s exploitation, the blind beggar Azoge defined as a thief in the name of trade. Odili meets Edna on their way to the hospital to see Edna’s mother; they have a bicycle accident.
Chapter 10: Christians at Anata village. Odili convinces Edna not to be the second wife of Nanga. Odili announces his contest against Chief Nanga and is hated by everyone.
Chapter 11: Odili receives a letter from Edna. Odili enters the dangerous game of politics. Chief Nanga tries to bribe Odili with a scholarship to leave politics, but Odili denies the offer.
Chapter 12: Odili’s father welcomes CPC members in his house. Maxwell receives corruption money from Chief Koko. Odili’s father condemns Odili for rejecting the offer. Campaign starts.
Chapter 13: Odili attends Nanga’s campaign meeting. Chief Nanga beats Odili, who is taken to the hospital. Maxwell dies. Edna visits Odili in the hospital. Eunice shoots Chief Koko. The army takes over the government. Edna marries Odili.

Though the plot is chronological, Achebe uses flashbacks, e.g., in chapter one Odili recalls 1948 when Chief Nanga was his teacher and how he became a minister in 1960 after supporting the firing of Dr. Makete and other ministers.

Also, in pages 28-29, Odili tells how he was chased away by his friend’s father due to hatred Ezekiah Samalu had for the people. This reveals who Ezekiah Samalu is.

Style of the Novel

The novel is well developed in style. The narration uses all persons, but first-person singular is dominant. Odili narrates the story of Chief Nanga. For example, in chapter one, Odili narrates using first-person point of view:

“I have to admit this… I was teaching at the time… I took one look… I couldn’t remember when I last…” (Pg 1)

The author also uses other genres, such as poems:

“It is the time to spread the news abroad
That we are well prepared
To tie ourselves with silvery chord…” (Pg 22)

He also uses songs (Pg 122 & Pg 80):

“Hip, hip – hip –
For they are jolly good fellows…”

Letters are used (Pg 10 and Pg 133).

Storytelling is also used, e.g., in chapter one Odili tells the story of Nanga and his being chased away. On Pg 96, the story of a group of dancers is given.

Language Use

The language in A Man of the People is generally understandable but varies in complexity depending on the reader.

The author intentionally uses pidgin to distinguish characters based on education. Educated people use standard language, while uneducated use nonstandard language (pidgin). Examples include:

“Why I go kill my master?… I de eraze why I no go go jump for insider lagoon instead to kill my master?” (Pg 34)
Pidgin on Pg 14, 15 after the minister’s speech and Pg 31 by the gatekeeper.

American dialect is also used, e.g., “But at the same time we have gotten somewhere” (Pg 44), where Odili converses with John, advising their government on improving public image in America.

Various figures of speech accompany the language use.

Similes

“District officer was like the supreme deity” and the interpreter the principal minor god who carried prayers and sacrifices to him (Odili, Pg 28).
“His huge body was quivering like jelly.”
“Chief Koko’s cook quivered as he was brought by the cowboy to answer why he put poison in his boss’s coffee.” (Pg 34)
“…the towel as large as an alapa.” (Pg 37)
“…looking as fresh as a newly-hatched chick…” (Pg 43)
“He turned on us then like an incised leopard.” (Pg 73, Odili)
“You are eating all the hills like yam.” (Pg 93)

Sayings

“Do the right and shame the Devil.” (Pg 11) Means one should be honest and do things according to the Ten Commandments.
“Kick the bucket” – to die. “I nearly kicked the bucket.” (Pg 25) Shows the closeness of Odili and Elsie.
“Pouring a little water into a dried-up well.” (Pg 27) Said by Odili when remembering his deceased mother, meaning giving to his father is nothing as he used to have more.
“When one slave sees another cast into a shallow grave, he should know that when the time comes he will go the same way.” (Pg 35-36) Odili questions that the fear of Chief Nanga is not for Chief Koko’s safety but his own.
“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” (Pg 61) Said by Elsie after Nanga says being a minister is like welcoming problems.
“Man no fit fight tiger with empty hand.” (Pg 113, Boniface) Means one should be fully equipped when fighting for rights.
“He that knows not and knows not that he knows not is a fool.” (Pg 117)
“You have lost the sky and the ground.” (Pg 120, Samalu tells Odili.)
“A man of worth never gets up to unsay what he said yesterday.” (Pg 135, Samalu tells Odili.)

Symbolism

Azoge the blind beggar – stands for people in society who are blind and cannot see the evils done by their leaders like corruption and misuse of government resources. These people are poor and easily exploited.
Azoge’s stick – symbolizes the remaining wealth for poor people. Because of blindness, they do not make effective use of it, and the privileged want it to increase their wealth.
Cadillac – symbolizes wealth.
Gun – symbolizes power.
Lovemaking – represents trouble instead of pleasure.
The journey to the hospital on a bicycle – symbolizes struggle.
The refusal of villagers to buy commodities from Josiah’s investment – symbolizes unity.

Irony

The title of the book.
“Teaching is a very noble profession.” (Pg 9, Chief Nanga) is an ironic expression meaning the opposite.
“I can swear to God that I am not as happy as when I was a teacher.” (Pg 9) The opposite is true.
“If someone wants to make you a minister, run away.” (Pg 36) The opposite is true.

Biblical Language

“A voice was heard in Ramah
Weeping and great lamentation
Rachel weeping for her children
And she will not be comforted, because they are not.” (Pg 81, Matthew 2:18)

Satire

Chief Nanga tells Odili he can bring him six girls to have sex with until he gets tired. (Pg 72)
Chief Nanga says Julio has composed a song instead of a book. (Pg 63)
Chief Nanga pretends he does not know the meaning of book exhibition. (Pg 61)
Chief Koko realizes the coffee was not poisonous; Chief Nanga starts tearing him. (Pg 35)

Character Characterisation

1. Chief Nanga

He was a teacher, later a Minister for Culture.
He is corrupt and receives bribes from different British companies.
He tries to bribe Odili and uses his position to influence things.
He represents African leaders who are immoral, e.g., adulterer, womanizer, and sex maniac.
He uses his money and position to oppress and humiliate women, e.g., Edina.
He lives a luxurious life.
He is a Standard Six graduate and does not fit to be a minister.
He is an unfaithful husband, having sexual relationships with different women.

2. Odili Samalu

He is the narrator of the story.
He is educated.
He represents African intellectuals after independence.
He is anxious to educate the masses about the evils of leaders, but people are not ready.
He hates corruption.
He is a teacher at Anata Grammar School.
He joins politics to seek revenge against Chief Nanga.
He has honest love for Edna.
He has a weakness towards women (sexist).
Politically, he represents people with progressive minds and desire for change.

3. Maxwell Kulamo

He is a lawyer and a poet.
He is one of the founders of CPC.
He was killed by Chief Koko.
He wanted to contest Chief Koko’s position; Chief Koko bribed him, but Maxwell did not withdraw and was later killed.
He represents progressive intellectuals in independent African states.
He meets the qualifications of being “a man of the people.”
After the coup d’état, the new government declares him a hero.

4. Ezekiah Samalu

He is Odili’s father.
He is a polygamist with five wives and thirty-five children.
He was a district interpreter during the colonial period.
He is the local chairman of P.O.P.
He invites Odili’s friends from the opposition party O.P.O. to his house and allows them to start campaigning.
He is corrupt and blames Odili for rejecting Chief Nanga’s bribe.

5. Edna Odo

She is educated (Chief Nanga sponsored her, believing he would marry her). Edna lamented but did not succeed.
She comes from a poor family.
She represents girls who lose their freedom and surrender themselves to men because of poverty.
She is sympathetic; she went to see Odili in the hospital after he was beaten by Chief Nanga’s thugs.
She married Odili after realizing Chief Nanga was not the right choice.

6. Eunice

She is a lawyer.
She is Maxwell’s fiancée.
She is a member of C.P.C.
She shoots Chief Koko as vengeance.
She has true love.
She was imprisoned after killing Chief Koko and was released after the revolution.
She represents women who can fight against evils without considering their safety.

7. Elsie

She is educated (a trained nurse).
She is immoral.
She betrays her fiancé Ralph by having relationships with Odili and Chief Nanga.
She is Odili’s girlfriend.
She causes conflict between Odili and Chief Nanga.

8. Mrs. Nanga

She is a Standard Six leaver.
She was intelligent but was forced into marriage by Chief Nanga.
She is a traditionalist and struggles to maintain her traditional values.
She represents women who are humiliated and oppressed in society and considered housekeepers.

9. Azoge

He is a beggar.
He has visual impairment (blind).
He represents poor people who are harassed by the privileged.

Other characters include Mr. Mwege, Dr. Makinde, Josiah, Boniface, Jean, John, Mr. Julio, the PM, Odo, Agnes, etc.

Content

1. Corruption

The novel shows how leaders are corrupt and use their positions for personal gain. Chief Nanga uses his position to blind the masses so they cannot see his evils. He sponsors Edna to win her, tries to bribe Odili to prevent him from contesting against him, and receives bribes from British companies. Chief Nanga also bribes journalists to write favorable reports.

Chief Koko bribes Maxwell to weaken CPC’s power. Boniface tells Odili they bribed police officers and court clerks to cancel their case.

Chief Nanga has succeeded because the majority are ignorant and silent, paving the way for corruption.

“It is impossible for any society to prosper under corrupt leadership.”

2. Ignorance

The people of Anata are ignorant and fail to realize how corruption affects them and the nation. Though they face problems daily, they do not take action. Even when educated, they remain conservative.

Ezekiah Samalu, a local leader of P.O.P., is unaware of party happenings.

Edna’s father fails to realize Chief Nanga’s tricks.

Leaders and professionals like Elsie do not know the meaning of book exhibition.

Azoge, the blind beggar, fails to realize Josiah’s exploitation.

“People need to be aware and take action once they realize something bad.”

“Ignorance leads to blindness.”

3. Poverty

Poverty is the inability to get basic needs. Azoge earns a living by begging. Edna’s poor family causes her to sacrifice her body to Chief Nanga for education. Edna’s father wants her to marry Chief Nanga to become wealthy.

When Edna and Odili have a bicycle accident, Edna cries because her mother must buy more food.

These are signs of poverty.

Chief Nanga’s brother says he is a poor innocent victim enjoying his brother’s beverage.

Odili’s life as a houseboy in Gillgili also indicates poverty.

“Poverty is an obstacle to development.”

4. Self-awareness

Achebe shows evils done by African leaders to raise awareness so people can act. Villagers refuse to buy goods from Josiah after realizing his exploitation. Odili realizes Chief Nanga is corrupt and wants to raise awareness.

The formation of CPC is a sign of awareness, aiming to fight corruption.

“People need to be aware of what is happening in society.”

5. Nepotism

Nepotism is when someone in authority assists those they know, especially from their tribe.

“No matter what you know, it is who you know.”

Chief Nanga favors Odili because he knows him.

The old man at Urua says it is time for Urua people to eat because those of Anata have already eaten.

“We need to discourage nepotism as it leads to uneven distribution of services.”

6. Moral Decay

Corrupt leadership proves the immorality of African leaders.
Elsie is immoral, which is unexpected of an African lady.
Chief Nanga shows immorality as a leader and role model, being a womanizer.
“Leaders and adults should be at the forefront to maintain the morals of society.”

7. Betrayal

Betrayal means going against certain agreements.

Chief Nanga betrays his wife by having relationships with other women.

He also betrays his people by living a luxurious life while they suffer.

Elsie betrays her ex-boyfriend Ralph by having relationships with Odili and Nanga.

Agnes betrays her husband by having sex with Nanga.

8. Protest

Protest is being against something. Villagers oppose Josiah’s exploitation.

Odili protests his father’s behavior of marrying many wives and having many children who cannot be cared for.

Odili protests Chief Nanga’s bad behavior by deciding to live with his friend Maxwell.

“People should protest against bad things.”