“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe: Analysis

Introduction: “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe appeared in 1971 as part of a collection of stories called Girls at War and Other Stories. The story follows Jonathan Iwegbu, a man who survives the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) along with his wife and three of his four children. Jonathan considers himself lucky and works hard to rebuild his life in the post-war society. He finds his house intact, opens a bar for soldiers, and receives some money from the government. However, he also faces challenges such as scarcity of resources, lack of employment opportunities, and insecurity from thieves. The story portrays the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, as well as the themes of survival, resilience, optimism, and human dignity. The story has received wide acclaim for its realistic and engaging style, its use of local dialects and proverbs, and its insight into the Nigerian culture and history.

Main Events in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

1. Jonathan, the protagonist, returns home from the civil war in Nigeria with his family and discovers that his house is still standing, making him grateful.
2. Jonathan goes to retrieve his bicycle from a well where he hid it during the war and finds it missing, causing him to be momentarily upset.
3. Jonathan is able to secure a job as a steward for a wealthy man, Mr. Okoli, which provides him and his family with some stability.
4. Jonathan uses his resourcefulness to repair and sell old clocks, making a small profit and improving his family’s financial situation.
5. Jonathan and his family are robbed by a group of thieves who take their money and belongings, but Jonathan is still grateful that they were not hurt.
6. Jonathan finds out that his son, who was assumed to be dead, is alive and being held in a refugee camp, and he immediately sets out to bring him home.
7. Jonathan successfully negotiates with the camp officials and is able to bring his son home, despite having to pay a hefty bribe.
8. Jonathan’s daughter is able to enroll in school, which is a significant achievement given the post-war conditions in Nigeria.
9. Jonathan receives compensation for his bicycle from the government, which is a small victory for him and his family.
10. Jonathan continues to persevere and remain optimistic despite the challenges he faces, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Literary Devices in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

1. Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature. Example: When Jonathan compares his own situation to Job’s in the Bible, he is making an allusion.
2. Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. Example: When Jonathan’s bicycle is stolen early in the story, it foreshadows the many challenges he will face in the post-war society.
3. Hyperbole: An exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. Example: When Jonathan describes his family as “millionaires” after he receives his pay from Mr. Okoli, he is using hyperbole.
4. Imagery: The use of sensory details to create a mental picture or sensory experience. Example: When Jonathan describes the “dark, suffocating cloud” of the war, he is using imagery.
5. Irony: A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. Example: When Jonathan is robbed of all his possessions except for a bucket and a lantern, it is ironic because these simple items end up being more valuable than his other belongings.
6. Metaphor: A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Example: When Jonathan describes the war as a “mad wind,” he is using a metaphor.
7. Motif: A recurring theme or image in a work of literature. Example: The motif of bicycles appears throughout the story, symbolizing mobility, freedom, and survival.
8. Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate the sound they describe. Example: When Jonathan hears the sound of his bicycle chain rattling, it is an example of onomatopoeia.
9. Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: When Jonathan describes the “grinning darkness” of the night, he is using personification.
10. Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or ideas for emphasis or effect. Example: The repetition of the phrase “civil peace” throughout the story emphasizes its importance as a theme.
11. Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: When Jonathan describes his daughter’s laughter as “like the song of a bird,” he is using a simile.
12. Symbolism: The use of objects or images to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Example: The bicycle symbolizes survival and resourcefulness in the post-war society.
13. Theme: The underlying message or lesson that a work of literature conveys. Example: The theme of “Civil Peace” is that even in the aftermath of war, people can find hope, joy, and meaning in simple blessings.
14. Tone: The author’s attitude or mood toward the subject or characters of a work of literature. Example: The tone of “Civil Peace” is optimistic and hopeful, even in the face of hardship and adversity.
15. Verbal irony: A contrast between what is said and what is meant. Example: When Jonathan describes his bicycle as “an old piece of iron,” he is using verbal irony because it is actually a valuable resource in the post-war society.

Characterization in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Major characters:

1. Jonathan: The protagonist of the story, Jonathan is a hardworking man who takes on odd jobs to provide for his family. He is optimistic and grateful for his survival in the civil war.
2. Maria: Jonathan’s wife, Maria is a supportive and caring woman who also works hard to ensure that her family is taken care of. She is resourceful and helps Jonathan in his various endeavors.

Minor characters:

1. The children: Jonathan and Maria have four children, who are all named after the days of the week. Their children are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They are happy and resilient, despite the challenges they face.
2. Biafran soldiers: The Biafran soldiers are the military men who fought on the side of the Biafran rebels during the civil war. They are depicted as ruthless and violent, as they looted and destroyed property during the war.
3. Thief: The thief is a minor character who attempts to steal from Jonathan’s home. However, he is caught by Jonathan and his neighbors and is forced to return the stolen items.
4. The coalman: The coalman is a minor character who helps Jonathan transport the materials he salvaged from the war. He is friendly and reliable, and Jonathan pays him generously for his help.
5. Johnson: Johnson is a minor character who informs Jonathan about the government’s plan to exchange the old currency for a new one. He helps Jonathan convert his savings into the new currency, which saves Jonathan’s family from financial ruin.

Major Themes in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

1. War and its Aftermath

• Reference: The story opens with Jonathan counting his blessings, which include his own head, his wife’s head, and the heads of three of their four children. This emphasizes the brutality of the war and the constant threat of death.
• Argument: Achebe paints a picture of a society deeply affected by the war. Physical destruction and the loss of loved ones are prominent throughout the story. The characters grapple with the psychological trauma of the conflict.

2. Optimism and Resilience

• Reference: Despite the hardships, Jonathan clings to a sense of optimism. He finds joy in the simple act of survival and the possession of his bicycle.
• Argument: Even in the face of immense loss, the characters demonstrate a will to survive and rebuild. Jonathan’s determination to protect his family and hold onto his possessions exemplifies this theme.

3. Survival and Family

• Reference: Jonathan’s primary concern throughout the robbery is the safety of his family. He desperately tries to get help from his neighbors but receives no response.
• Argument: Family is portrayed as the cornerstone of survival. Jonathan is willing to sacrifice anything to protect his loved ones, highlighting the importance of familial bonds during difficult times.

4. Corruption and Self-Reliance

• Reference: The thieves who rob Jonathan mock the concept of “Civil Peace” while demanding money. This suggests that the peace is fragile and self-serving for those in power. Jonathan cannot rely on authorities for help, highlighting the breakdown of societal structures.
• Argument: The story criticizes the lack of security and the potential for exploitation in the aftermath of war. Jonathan is forced to rely on his own resources to protect his family, showcasing the need for self-reliance in a corrupt environment.

5. The Nature of Gratitude

• Reference: Jonathan considers himself “extraordinarily lucky” to have survived the war. He even cherishes the “miracle” of saving his old bicycle.
• Argument: Achebe explores the concept of gratitude in difficult circumstances. Jonathan finds value in what remains, rather than dwelling on the losses incurred during the war. This perspective suggests a way to cope with trauma and find hope for the future.

Writing Style in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe’s writing style in “Civil Peace” is concise and vivid, with active verbs that bring the story to life. He uses simple, direct language that captures the gritty reality of post-war Nigeria. The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, which allows the reader to see inside Jonathan’s mind and understand his motivations. Achebe employs a range of literary devices, including similes and metaphors, to create a sense of depth and richness in the narrative. For example, he describes the road as a “long ribbon of moonlit dust” (paragraph 3) and the thieves as “silent shadows” (paragraph 14), adding a layer of atmosphere to the story. Overall, Achebe’s writing style in “Civil Peace” is powerful and evocative, capturing the essence of life in a war-torn country.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

1. Marxist Criticism: A Marxist interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on the socioeconomic and political factors that shape Jonathan’s experiences after the war. This approach would analyze the relationship between Jonathan’s status as a working-class citizen and the capitalist system that governs post-war Nigeria.
2. Reader-Response Criticism: A reader-response interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on how readers’ personal experiences and backgrounds shape their understanding of the story. This approach would explore how different readers might respond to Jonathan’s resilience, his religious beliefs, and his relationships with his family and community.
3. Postcolonial Criticism: A postcolonial interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on how the story reflects the impact of colonialism on Nigeria and its people. This approach would analyze how Achebe’s portrayal of Jonathan’s experiences after the war reflects the legacy of colonialism in terms of economic inequality, cultural suppression, and political instability.
4. Feminist Criticism: A feminist interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on the role of gender in the story. This approach would analyze the representation of women in the story, including Jonathan’s wife and daughters, and how their experiences reflect broader gender inequalities in Nigerian society. It would also explore how the story reinforces or challenges traditional gender roles and expectations.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Essay Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Optimism and Resilience	How do the characters in “Civil Peace” display resilience in the face of war and its devastation?	Despite overwhelming loss and hardship, the characters in “Civil Peace” demonstrate a remarkable capacity for resilience, embodying the enduring strength of the human spirit.
The Role of Family	In what ways does “Civil Peace” highlight the importance of family in times of crisis?	“Civil Peace” underscores the vital role of family as a source of support, protection, and hope in the face of extreme adversity.
Corruption and Its Impact	How does Chinua Achebe use “Civil Peace” to critique corruption and its impact on post-war society?	“Civil Peace” offers a searing indictment of corruption, illustrating how it jeopardizes the safety and progress of a society struggling to rebuild after war.
The Concept of Gratitude	How does the concept of gratitude function in “Civil Peace”?	In “Civil Peace,” gratitude emerges as a complex and powerful force that allows characters to find meaning and hope even in the bleakest of circumstances.
The Psychological Effects of War	To what extent does “Civil Peace” explore the psychological effects of war on individuals and communities?	“Civil Peace” delves into the profound psychological wounds inflicted by war, examining how trauma shapes the actions and perspectives of the characters.

Short Question-Answer “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Q: What is the central theme of “Civil Peace”?

A: The central theme of “Civil Peace” is the resilience and resourcefulness required to overcome hardship, particularly in the aftermath of war. This is powerfully demonstrated through Jonathan, who tirelessly works to rebuild his life and provide for his family despite the devastation of the Nigerian Civil War. He creatively adapts to his circumstances, showcasing the essential qualities for survival and recovery in a broken society.

Q: How does Jonathan’s character reflect the socioeconomic realities of post-war Nigeria?

A: Jonathan embodies the struggles of many working-class Nigerians trying to rebuild after the war. His background as a former coal miner with limited opportunities highlights the economic hardships and lack of social mobility faced by many. However, his unwavering resourcefulness in finding ways to generate income is a testament to the spirit and ingenuity that defined the survival strategies of countless Nigerians in the post-war period.

Q: What role does faith play in “Civil Peace”?

A: Faith is a crucial element in “Civil Peace,” providing Jonathan with strength and influencing his actions. His belief in divine protection and his gratitude for simply being alive sustain him through adversity. His faith also inspires unexpected acts of kindness, such as paying a ransom for someone who wronged him, contributing to his vision of a more just and peaceful world.

Q: What does the ending of “Civil Peace” suggest about the possibility of rebuilding and recovery after conflict?

A: The ending offers a cautiously optimistic view of post-conflict recovery. While Jonathan’s resourcefulness and community efforts demonstrate the potential for rebuilding, the fragility of his newfound prosperity hints at the lingering challenges. The story concludes with uncertainty about the future, acknowledging that peace is tenuous. However, it emphasizes the power of individuals and communities to actively shape a better future despite the enduring scars of conflict.

Literary Works Similar to “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

1. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This powerful novel delves into the complexities and devastation of the Nigerian Civil War, focusing on the intertwined lives of individuals as they grapple with identity, nationalism, and the human cost of conflict.
2. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Achebe’s classic work examines the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional Igbo society. The novel explores themes of cultural conflict, resilience amidst societal upheaval, and the lasting consequences of historical forces.
3. A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: This Kenyan novel explores the psychological and social wounds left by the Mau Mau Uprising and the fight for independence. It offers a nuanced look at individual trauma, societal guilt, and the challenges of rebuilding a nation in the aftermath of violence.
4. Beast of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala: This unflinching novel follows the harrowing journey of a child soldier, exposing the brutality of war and the complexities of rehabilitation for those forced into violence. While set in a different conflict, it shares with “Civil Peace” the themes of lost innocence and the struggle to rebuild a shattered life.
5. Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee: This novel is set in post-apartheid South Africa, examining themes of societal tension, the search for justice, and the challenges of rebuilding a fractured nation. While geographically distinct, the novel resonates with “Civil Peace” in its exploration of the lasting impact of violence and the complexities of reconciliation.

Suggested Readings: “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Scholarly Articles:

• Emenyonu, Ernest. “Studies in the Nigerian Novel: Chinua Achebe’s Civil Peace.” English Studies in Africa vol. 19, no. 1 ,1976, pp. 59–66.
• Garuba, Harry. “The Island Writes Back: A Reading of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Civil Peace’.” World Literature Written in English vol. 33, no. 2, 1993, pp. 73–82.
• Oguine, Ikechukwu. “The ‘Ex-Service Gratuity’ in Chinua Achebe’s ‘Civil Peace’.” Research in African Literatures, vol. 36, no.2, 2005, pp. 146-156.

Websites:

• LitCharts. “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe. LitCharts LLC, 9 July 2018. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/civil-peace
• SparkNotes. “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe. SparkNotes LLC, n.d. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/things/