An African writer cannot afford the luxury of art for art's sake without provoking the epithet prodigal. Discuss using the "Arrow of God".
by Chika Udekwe
The statement suggests that for African writers, it is difficult to separate the act of writing from the political and social context in which they are working. In other words, African writers cannot afford the luxury of writing solely for the sake of art, as their work will inevitably be viewed through a political lens and be associated with a certain agenda.
This idea is reflected in Chinua Achebe's "Arrow of God." The novel is not only a work of literature, but it is also a commentary on the cultural and political issues of its time. The novel provides an in-depth look into the traditional Igbo society, its customs and beliefs, and the impact of colonialism on the culture. It highlights how traditional customs and beliefs have been disrupted and disrespected by the colonizers and how the people of Umuaro have been affected by these changes.
The novel also addresses the political issues of the time, such as the subjugation of women, the struggle for autonomy and self-government, and the resistance to colonial rule. These political and social issues are not separate from the art of the novel but are intrinsic to it.
By addressing these issues, the novel "Arrow of God" cannot escape the label of being "prodigal" or having an agenda. However, this is not necessarily a negative thing, as the novel serves not only as a work of literature but also as a powerful commentary on the political and social issues of its time, providing a nuanced and nuanced perspective on the complexities of the African experience under colonialism.
Explain the theme of feminism in “Arrow of God”
The theme of feminism in Chinua Achebe's novel "Arrow of God" is not a central focus of the story, but rather one aspect of the complex portrayal of the Igbo culture and the impact of colonialism on it. The novel explores the subjugation of women in the traditional Igbo society, as well as how the arrival of British colonizers disrupts and further, oppresses Igbo women. This can be seen through the character of Ezeulu's wives who are treated as property and whose voices are not heard or respected. The novel also highlights how women can resist and subvert these oppressive systems, through their strength and determination.
More illustrations on the theme of Feminism in the "Arrow of God"
In "Arrow of God," the traditional Igbo society is patriarchal, with men holding the majority of power and decision-making authority. Women are relegated to secondary roles, and their voices and opinions are often not heard or respected. This is demonstrated through the character of Ezeulu, a powerful and respected priest who has several wives. Despite their importance in the community, Ezeulu's wives are treated as property, and their opinions and desires are not taken into consideration. They are expected to obediently serve their husband and bear children for them.
The arrival of British colonizers further disrupts and oppresses Igbo women. The colonizers impose their patriarchal values and systems, further marginalizing and subjugating women. They are seen as inferior and uncivilized, and their traditional roles and customs are dismissed and disrespected.
However, the novel also shows that despite these oppressive systems, women can resist and subvert them. The wives of Ezeulu, for example, are shown to be strong, resilient, and determined in the face of their oppression. They use their intelligence and resourcefulness to assert their agency and resist the patriarchal systems that seek to control them.
In conclusion, the theme of feminism in "Arrow of God" is an important aspect of the novel, as it highlights how traditional Igbo society and colonial oppression have marginalized and subjugated women. However, it also shows that women can resist and subvert these systems through their strength and determination.
Why is the novel an epic architecture to readers?
The Arrow of God is considered an epic architecture to readers because it is a sweeping and ambitious novel that explores a wide range of themes and ideas. The novel is set in pre-colonial Nigeria and tells the story of an Igbo tribal leader, Ezeulu, and his struggles to maintain his authority and cultural identity in the face of British colonial rule. The novel is also considered an epic architecture because of the way Achebe uses the story of Ezeulu to explore broader themes and ideas about power, authority, tradition, religion, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
The novel is structured like an epic, with a large cast of characters, and a wide range of settings and scenes. The story covers a significant period and is told through multiple perspectives, which allows the reader to gain a deep understanding of the different characters and the various societies they inhabit. Achebe also uses a variety of literary techniques to create a sense of scale and grandeur in the novel, such as the use of symbolism, imagery, and metaphor.
Additionally, the novel's style is rich in language, culture, and tradition, which makes it a complex and challenging read, but also an enriching one. The novel also provides a depth of understanding and insight into the Igbo people and their culture, which is a unique and valuable contribution to African literature.
In summary, The Arrow of God is considered an epic architecture to readers because of its sweeping scale, ambitious themes and ideas, its complex structure, and its rich and nuanced portrayal of the Igbo people and their culture.
