Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, best known for his groundbreaking novel “Things Fall Apart,” which revolutionized African literature.
Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe |
| Birth | 16 November 1930, Ogidi, Colonial Nigeria |
| Death | 21 March 2013 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupations | Novelist, Poet, Critic |
| Major Works |
|
| Notable Awards | 2007 Man Booker International Prize |
| Education | University of Ibadan |
| Career Highlights |
|
| Influences | Igbo traditional culture, Christianity, Postcolonial discourse |
| Themes | Culture and Colonialism, Masculinity and Femininity, Politics, History |
| Legacy | Chinua Achebe Literary Festival |
| Notable Essays | “An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness” (1975) |
| Political Involvement | Supporter of Biafran independence, Ambassador for Biafran movement |
| Later Life | Partially paralyzed from a car crash in 1990, lived in the US |
Early Life
Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s most renowned authors, was born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, a town in southeastern Nigeria. Raised in a family deeply rooted in both traditional Igbo culture and Christian values, Achebe was exposed to a rich tapestry of cultural narratives from an early age. His father, Isaiah Okafo Achebe, was a teacher and evangelist for the Church Missionary Society, while his mother, Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam, instilled in him the traditional stories of their people. This duality of influences would later profoundly shape his literary voice. Achebe’s family moved to several towns in Nigeria due to his father’s missionary work, providing him with a broad perspective on Nigerian life and culture. These early experiences laid the foundation for Achebe’s future works, which poignantly explore the complexities of African identity, colonialism, and post-colonial society.
Family
| Name | Relation | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Okafo Achebe | Father | Isaiah was a catechist for the Church Missionary Society and taught in various schools. He played a significant role in introducing Chinua to the English language and Western education while maintaining their Igbo heritage. |
| Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam | Mother | Janet was a homemaker and a strong influence on Chinua, instilling in him the values of traditional Igbo culture and oral storytelling. |
| John Chukwuemeka Ikechukwu Achebe | Brother | John was the eldest sibling and a significant figure in Chinua’s early life, often guiding him through his educational endeavors. |
| Grace Nwankwo Achebe | Sister | Grace was known for her dedication to family and her supportive role in Chinua’s literary career. |
| Augustine Nduka Achebe | Brother | Augustine shared a close bond with Chinua and contributed to the family’s cultural and educational upbringing. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Other Body Measurements | Not publicly available |
Note: Detailed physical measurements of Chinua Achebe are not publicly documented.
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Chinua Achebe was married to Christie Okoli. They married in 1961. Christie Okoli was a professor and a well-respected academic in her own right. She supported Chinua Achebe throughout his career and together they had four children.
There are no documented previous relationships or girlfriends for Chinua Achebe before his marriage to Christie Okoli.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Chinua Achebe became internationally famous with the publication of his debut novel, Things Fall Apart in 1958. The novel is widely regarded as a classic of modern African literature and has been translated into numerous languages. It explores the clash between traditional African cultures and Western influences, making Achebe a prominent voice in post-colonial literature.
Achebe’s career started in the 1950s when he worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. His transition into literature was marked by his keen interest in portraying African culture and the impacts of colonialism. Some of his most popular works include:
- Things Fall Apart (1958)
- No Longer at Ease (1960)
- Arrow of God (1964)
- A Man of the People (1966)
- Anthills of the Savannah (1987)
In addition to his novels, Achebe wrote essays, short stories, and children’s books, contributing significantly to African literature and thought.
Chinua Achebe received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:
- The Man Booker International Prize (2007)
- The Commonwealth Poetry Prize
- The Nigerian National Order of Merit (Nigeria’s highest honor for academic work)
- St. Louis Literary Award (1999)
- The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize (2010)
In addition to these, he received honorary doctorates and fellowships from various institutions worldwide.
Chinua Achebe was not without controversies. Some notable ones include:
- Criticism of Joseph Conrad: Achebe’s essay “An Image of Africa” (1975) criticized Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness as racist, sparking widespread academic debate and controversy.
- Political Views: Achebe was an outspoken critic of various Nigerian governments and was involved in the Biafran War (1967-1970), where he supported the secessionist state of Biafra. His political views often put him at odds with the Nigerian authorities.
- Refusal of National Honors: In 2004 and again in 2011, Achebe refused national honors from the Nigerian government, citing dissatisfaction with the state of the nation and governance issues.
Chinua Achebe’s legacy as a writer and thinker is profound. His works continue to be studied and celebrated for their rich portrayal of African life and their critique of colonialism. Despite controversies, his contributions to literature and his role in shaping post-colonial discourse remain undisputed.
