"Anthills of the Savannah" is a political novel written by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author. The novel, set in the fictional West African nation of Kangan, explores themes of power, corruption, and the role of the individual in society.
One of the main themes of the novel is the corrupting influence of power. The character of Sam, the military dictator of Kangan, is a prime example of this theme. Sam is depicted as a ruthless leader who is more concerned with maintaining his own power and wealth than with the welfare of his people. He is willing to use any means necessary, including violence and intimidation, to maintain his grip on power. This corruption of power is further exemplified by the character of Chris, a well-educated and initially idealistic young man who becomes caught up in Sam's inner circle. Chris's initial belief in the importance of education and democracy is eventually corrupted by his proximity to power and his desire to advance his own career.
Another important theme in the novel is the role of the individual in society. The characters of Ikem and Beatrice represent opposing views on this theme. Ikem, a journalist and political activist, believes in the power of the individual to effect change and stands up against the corrupt government of Kangan. Beatrice, on the other hand, believes in the importance of traditional values and the importance of respecting authority. Both characters ultimately pay a high price for their beliefs, with Ikem being imprisoned and Beatrice being ostracized by her community.
A third theme in the novel is the idea of the "good life." The characters in the novel are constantly grappling with what it means to lead a good life and how to achieve it. For some characters, such as Sam and Chris, the good life is defined by material wealth and power. For others, like Ikem and Beatrice, it is about living a life of integrity and purpose. The novel ultimately suggests that the good life is not necessarily determined by external circumstances, but rather by an individual's own choices and actions.
In conclusion, "Anthills of the Savannah" explores themes of power, corruption, the role of the individual in society, and the concept of the good life. Through its portrayal of the fictional nation of Kangan and its complex characters, the novel raises important questions about the nature of power, the importance of individual agency, and what it means to lead a good life.
ANTHILLS OF THE SAVANNAH THEMES PDF
Consequently, the people of Abazon became angry with General Sam for the neglect. Rather than distance themselves from the ordinary citizen, as Sam does, Chris, Beatrice, and Ikem routinely abandon their British English in favor of being able to communicate in a meaningful way. A new one is created in 1989, but in 1993 the 1978 version is called back to replace it. Free people may be alike everywhere in their freedom but the oppressed inhabit each their own peculiar hell. In a last speech to university students after his suspension from the newspaper, Ikem chides his audience for blaming the ills of their state on imperialism and international capitalism.
Anthills of the Savannah Chapter 7
He understands that Sam is becoming power hungry but doesn't want to step down from his role as a "have. Author of probably the most widely read African novel ever written Things Fall Apart, 1958 , Achebe has been mentioned as a candidate to follow in the footsteps of his fellow countryman, Wole Soyinka, who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. In fact, one reason why Achebe has not produced a novel for almost twenty years is that he has been embroiled in the failed struggle for Biafran independence. Then, European countries withdrew, leaving chaos in their wake. Women's role in society is also introduced by Ikem's love letter to Beatrice where he recognizes the oppression of women throughout ages in the form of religion or societal rules. Article PDF Available in Research in African Literatures. He compares this logic to constantly blaming capitalism and imperialism for Kangan's problems.
Anthills of the Savannah Themes
Anthills of the Savannah. Yet, as a practical politician, Ikem recognizes that the British have long been an anachronism on the stage of world affairs. While Ikem is murdered, after his last speech is twisted into treason and during the struggles of the state to maintain a hold on the reins of power, Chris perishes almost accidentally in the chaotic circumstances once these reins have been lost. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. As Larry Diamond puts it: Anthills does for the venality, irresponsibility and repression of military government what A Man of the People did for the bankruptcy of civilian politics: it exposes, denounces and ridicules through the construction of a story rich in recognizable details, familiar or eerily anticipated events, and vivid, utterly credible characters.
What are the themes in Anthills of the Savannah conclusion?
The tortoise says to the confused leopard, "Because even after I am dead I would want anyone passing by this spot to say, yes, a fellow and his match struggled here. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. He is a scholarly fellow with an appreciation for art and culture. The New York Times. While charity can seem altruistic, Achebe targets the haves with continuing a system that keeps people oppressed. He notes in an interview Jussawalla that a generation of bright Nigerians fiercely competing for academic scholarships, never get to read junky literature or speak colloquially, and that this is doing terrible damage both to their identities and their ability to communicate in a fully human way. Ikem is celebrated as a son of Abazon, and while he regrets that he has been unable to participate in monthly meetings and the like, the chief of the delegation forces him to stop apologizing and thanks him for everything that he has done for the people of Abazon in his writing and advocacy.
