Chinua Achebe

CIVIL PEACE

INTRODUCTION
“Civil Peace” is a short story written by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author known for his
insightful portrayal of African society and its post-colonial struggles. Published in 1971, the
story takes place in the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war (1967-1971) and explores the
themes of resilience, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst the devastation of
war.

SUMMARY
Set in post-war Nigeria “Civil Peace” tells the story of Jonathan Iwegbu, a man
who miraculously survives the brutal Nigerian civil war with his family. As the
ends, Jonathan returns to his hometown, finding it in ruins and facing a
multitude of challenges. Despite the loss of his home and possessions,
Jonathan maintains an optimistic and resourceful outlook, striving to rebuild
his life.
The story revolves around Jonathan’s unwavering determination to make the
best of his circumstances. He finds his bicycle, which he had buried during the
war, he uses it to start a transportation service, shuttling people around the
town for a fee. With the money he earns, he is able to secure a small plot of
land and build a rudimentary shelter for his family.
Jonathan’s resilience is contrasted with the behavior of others in the
community who succumb to despair or resort to criminal activities to survive.
However, Jonathan remains steadfast in his pursuit of peace and progress,
earning him the nickname “The Man Who Had Everything.”
Throughout the story, Achebe highlights the lingering effects of war on society.
Despite the end of the conflict, the devastation and scarcity continue to be felt,
with corruption and lawlessness prevalent. However, Jonathan’s attitude and
actions serve as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, showcasing the
human capacity to rebuild and find peace even in the midst of adversity.
In “Civil Peace”, Achebe explores universal themes of human strength,
adaptability, and the power of optimism. Through Jonathan’s character, he
challenges the notion that true wealth lies in material possessions, instead
emphasizing the importance of inner strength and the ability to appreciate the
value of life itself.

PLOT
"Civil Peace" is a short story written by Chinua Achebe, but it does not have a
traditional plot structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Instead, it
presents a snapshot of the life of the main character immediately after the
Nigerian Civil War. Here is a summary of the story:

The story is set in Nigeria, just after the end of the civil war. The protagonist,
Jonathan Iwegbu, returns to his hometown with his family after the war.
Despite the devastation and loss caused by the war, Jonathan is filled with
hope and gratitude that his family has survived and that there is a chance for a
better future.
Jonathan had buried a small fortune in the ground before the war, and
miraculously, he discovers that the money is still there. With this unexpected
windfall, he is determined to rebuild his life and the lives of his family
members. He purchases a small bicycle, which he plans to use as a taxi service
to earn a living.
Jonathan's optimism and determination are tested when he encounters
various challenges. He faces corrupt officials, thieves, and even a near-death
experience. However, he remains resilient and resourceful, finding ways to
overcome each obstacle.
Throughout the story, Jonathan's focus remains on the importance of family
and the value of life itself. He is grateful for the smallest things and never loses
hope, even in the face of adversity. He is often seen repeating the phrase,
"Nothing puzzles God," which reflects his deep faith and belief in divine
providence.
As the story concludes, Jonathan reflects on his journey and the challenges he
has faced. He recognizes that the war has brought both destruction and new
opportunities. Despite the hardships, he is grateful for the chance to rebuild
and live a "civil peace."
Overall, "Civil Peace" explores themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and the
enduring spirit of the Nigerian people in the aftermath of a devastating war. It
emphasizes the importance of family, hope, and the ability to find joy in the
midst of difficult circumstances.

THEMES
A theme is a recurring idea or message that is conveyed through a work of
literature, art or any piece of work. In civil peace, many themes are explored.
Examples of these themes are the themes of resilience, gratitude, hope,
money and survival, corruption and self-reliance and others.
The theme of resilience is evident in the story where the protagonist Jonathan
Iwegbu loses everything he possess during the Nigerian civil war but still finds
hope in his adversity. Jonathan is one who is able to bounce back to grace even
after a hard fall. He remains positive and optimistic even in the face of
adversity. He recovers quickly from a very challenging situation. He doesn’t
quit.
Another paramount theme is the theme of hope: This theme runs through the
story. In spite of the deterioration and the effect of the war, Jonathan is still
elated that at least, he has five heads still intact his bicycle and his house and is
still intact, that he can rebuild his life again. He still sees the need to go on and
doesn’t quit. He knows that, even after everything, he can still rise again.
Another theme worth mentioning is the theme of gratitude and appreciation:
Civil Peace hightlights the need to be grateful and content with what one has
even in trying times. Jonathan here is so grateful for his life and that of his
family brings him so much joy. The thought of loosing his bicycle and seeing it
again also adds to his joy. In his joy he repeats the phrase “nothing puzzles
God” which informs us about his level of faith in God.
The theme of corruption and self-reliance cannot be overlooked: Here, the
Nigerian authority and humans as a whole are seen as corrupt and unreliable.
This can be traced from the scene where the soldier tries to steal Jonathan’s
bicycle to the coal company in which he once worked but seemed to be subtly
unoperating, up till the night when he was robbed. The night watchmen who
failed to assist him or better still lend him a hand when he needed it. As a
results of unreliability of his authority, he has no other choice but to rely on
himself to provide for his family. This tells us that, even the absence of a
responsible and reliable government, life must go on.

CHARATERIZATION
Jonathan Iwegbu, Jonathan is the protagonist of the story, a humble and
resilient man who has survived the Nigerian civil war. He is described as having
“a good head for business” which reflects his resourcefulness and
determination to make a living despite the challenging circumstances,
Jonathan celebrates what he still has rather than regretting what he has lost.
For instance, he gives thanks for the lives of his wife and three living children
instead of mourning the son he buried. Jonathan is not only optimistic but also
industrious. Instead of waiting for the situation to change, he starts several
businesses. Through the end of the story, he remains focus on the future. Even
when his ex gratia(given as a famous money) is stolen by thieves, he tells
sympathetic neighbours that he counts it as nothing and continued to work. He
is also potrayed as loving and caring father who values his family above all.
Marie Iwegbu: Maria is Jonathan’s wife, and she is characterized as a
supportive and strong woman. She shares her husband’s optimism and helps
him maintain a positive outlook on life. After the civil war, she begins making
bean cakes to sell as a nurturing mother who protects and care for her
children.
The Iwegbu Children(Nancy, Boniface and the unnamed youngest child) the
children symbolize the hope and future of the family. One of the children dies
and the rest survives to help their parents to earn livelihood.
Biafran sergeant: The Biafran sergeant is a former soldier who takes advantage
of Jonathan’s desperation and demands payment for his bicycle, which he
acquired during the war. He embodies the darker side of human nature. His
characterization serves to highlight the moral challenges faced by individuals in
post war.
The thieves: Main human antagonists of the story is the thief leader who
knocks at Jonathan’s door is confidence. He announced himself as a thief,
mocks the family’s cries for help. He even offered to call for soldiers after the
police and neighbors failed to answer.
Overall, the thieves are pitiful symbol of danger and uncertainty of Nigeria at
this time. The leader’s language suggests he is less educated than Jonathan,
and his glib (fluent but insincere and shallow) arrogant tone reveals his
awareness of how little a family has to rely on outside themselves.

THE LANGUAGE
The language used in the poem is simple, direct and conversational. Achebe's
use of language is accessible to a wide audience and allows his message to be
easily understood. The language is also rich in imagery, and Achebe uses vivid
descriptions to create a sense of place and to convey the emotional impact of
the speaker's experiences. The use of repetition and irony in the poem also
adds to it's effectiveness and helps to emphasize the themes of survival,
reconciliation and hope.
The language used in the poem is also notable for it's understated quality.
Achebe does not use grandiose language or elaborate metaphors to convey his
message. Instead, he relies on simple, direct language to create a sense of
immediacy and intimacy. The reader feels as though they are listening to a
personal conversation between the speaker and the reader. This is particularly
effective in conveying the emotional impact of the speaker experiences, as the
reader is able to connect with the speaker on a deeper level. Overall, Achebe
use of language in Civil Peace is a testament to his skill as a writer and his
ability to convey complex themes in a clear and accessible manner.

POINT OF VIEW
The story is told from a third-person limited point of view, focusing on the
perspective of the main character, Jonathan.
Jonathan’s point of view is significant because it allows readers to experience
the post-war period through the eyes of a survivor. Jonathan’s point of view
offers insight into the struggles, hope, and dreams of ordinary people trying to
find stability and peace after a devastating conflict.

STYLE
"Civil Peace" is a short story written by Chinua Achebe, one of Nigeria's most
renowned authors. Achebe is known for his realistic and engaging writing style
that captures the essence of Nigerian culture and society. In "Civil Peace,"
Achebe uses a straightforward and simple narrative style to depict the
struggles and resilience of the protagonist in post-civil war Nigeria.
Achebe's writing style in "Civil Peace" can be described as vivid and descriptive,
as he skillfully portrays the physical and emotional landscapes of the story. He
employs imagery and sensory details to create a tangible sense of place,
allowing readers to visualize the setting and empathize with the characters.
The story is set in a war-ravaged Nigeria, and Achebe effectively conveys the
destruction and desolation caused by the war.
Additionally, Achebe's writing in "Civil Peace" is characterized by a subtle use
of symbolism. He infuses the narrative with symbolic elements that carry
deeper meaning. For example, the protagonist's bicycle, which he refers to as
his "most valuable possession," symbolizes hope, resilience, and a means of
survival in the face of adversity.
Achebe also employs a conversational tone in his storytelling, making the
reader feel as though they are listening to the protagonist recount his
experiences firsthand. The dialogue is authentic and reflective of the Nigerian
vernacular, adding authenticity to the narrative and providing insights into the
characters' thoughts and emotions.
Furthermore, Achebe's writing in "Civil Peace" explores themes such as the
resilience of the human spirit, the significance of family and community, and
the impact of war on individuals and society. These themes are woven into the
narrative seamlessly, allowing readers to contemplate the broader implications
of the story while being engrossed in the protagonist's personal journey.
In summary, Chinua Achebe's writing style in "Civil Peace" is characterized by
vivid descriptions, subtle symbolism, authentic dialogue, and the exploration of
profound themes. Through his skillful storytelling, Achebe invites readers to
experience the challenges and triumphs of the protagonist in post-war Nigeria
and encourages reflection on the universal themes present in the story

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, “Civil Peace” is a poignant and thought-provoking story that
depicts the aftermath of war and the depicts the aftermath of war and the
indomitable spirit of the human experience. Achebe’s portrayal of Jonathan
Iwegbu as a symbol of hope in the face of adversity resonates with readers,
reminding us of the power of resilience and the ability to find peace amidst
chaos.