The Effects Of Western Education And Influence On The...

Chinua Achebe, renowned African writer, writes No Longer At Ease as a message on the effects of western education and influence on the African society. The story focuses on Obi Okonkwo, the protagonist, and his alienation to his homeland after returning from studying abroad in England. Obi’s tragedy demonstrates themes such as the corruptibility of civil servants, tradition versus progression, and the impact of education, as well as themes covered in the World History course. In all, the book is very appealing and Chinua Achebe utilizes rhetorical appeals to make a compelling case, convincing the reader of his point of view. Very cleverly, Achebe writes the novel in a cyclical fashion, where the end of the story is actually the beginning of the book, and throughout the book he explains the situations leading up to the end. In Chapter 5 during a conversation between Obi and the Chairman, Obi expresses his theory on what makes a proper tragedy. In response to the Chairman, Obi explains that committing suicide is in no way a tragedy. He adds: â€Å"Real tragedy is never resolved. It goes on hopelessly forever. Conventional tragedy is too easy. The hero dies and we feel a purging of emotions. A real tragedy takes place in a corner, in an untidy spot†¦. where the rest of the world is not aware of it.† Obi continues by analyzing the protagonist in the novel that they were discussing, and adds that there was â€Å"no release for for him. When the story ends, he is still reading. There is noShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Colonization On The Indigenous People Of Rhodesia Nervous Conditions 1711 Words   |  7 Pagescrisis as a result of imperial oppression over the language and educational system of the nation. The role of English language and culture, imposed by colonial education, emphasizes the movement for natives to abandon their indigenous cultural and linguistic roots. 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