Beatrice, Achebe’s New Nigerian Women Mouthpiece in "Anthills of the Savannah"

"An angry man is always a stupid man."

Chinua Achebe (1930 - )

Nigerian novelist, poet, and essayist.

Anthills of the Savannah

One of the significant themes in "Anthills of the Savannah" is the way people particularly women reacts to with political handicaps of Nigeria. The women in Chinua Achebe’s "Anthills of the Savannah" shun and resent political handicaps of Nigeria. Educated mass of Nigeria who become impotent and corrupt of ideas, either through lack of vision or will, and who are ideologically with political imperfections are almost always condemned to misery in the nations through frequent coups and unrest. There seems to be no compassion or sympathy for the nation. The people seem only concerned with their own well-being and survival. As Achebe goes through the narrative, he points to corresponding ideas on the political vision of the fictional Kangan which is none but his beloved country, Nigeria where the story is embroidered. In the book he demonstrates a never-ending pattern of ruin and rebuilding, perpetuating the way and validating the role and the authority of the women.

In Chinua Achebe's novel "Anthills of the Savannah," Beatrice is portrayed as a significant female character who serves as a mouthpiece for the struggles and aspirations of Nigerian women. As the girlfriend of Chris, one of the novel's main characters, Beatrice represents the modern Nigerian woman who challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. She embodies intelligence, strength, and determination, using her voice to speak out against injustice and advocate for change. Beatrice's character highlights the complexities of women's experiences in a patriarchal society, offering a powerful portrayal of female empowerment and resilience. Through Beatrice, Achebe sheds light on the issues faced by Nigerian women and their role in shaping the nation's future.

Even before Europeans arrived during the colonial period, Achebe's native Nigeria was a patriarchal society. Ikem explains to Beatrice that their culture initially regarded women as lowly and unworthy of respect and then elevated them to a pedestal, where they could remain beautiful and admired but inconsequential. Similarly, the worship of goddesses was an important part of a village's spiritual life but had little to do with decisions regarding power structures. Stretching those points, it can be said that the colonial period widened the gender equality gap by providing African men with educational opportunities while African women received schooling in utilitarian skills to prepare them for domestic work. "Anthills of the Savannah" came at a time when women around the world had made great strides in asserting their relevance in and value to society. The story also contains a female trinity in the characters of Beatrice, Elewa, and Amaechina. Beatrice is well−educated, sophisticated, and independent, and she holds an administrative position in the government. Beatrice represents the positive aspects of the present. Elewa is a common woman who is highly emotional and uneducated. She supports herself by working in a small shop. Elewa represents the past. Amaechina is Elewa's infant daughter, and although she does not appear until the end of the novel, she is potential embodied. As Ikem's daughter, she represents the meaning of her name, "May the Path Never Close." She is hope for the future, even though the future currently looks grim.

Beatrice and Elewa may appear to have little in common, making their friendship surprising. However, their unwavering commitment to each other is undeniable. Despite their differences, they share a crucial bond—both have experienced the profound loss of the men they deeply loved. This shared grief connects them to each other and to the communal spirit. The naming ceremony for Amaechina holds immense significance as it showcases the women's refusal to let tradition fade simply because the father is absent. Beatrice, defying societal norms, assumes the role typically reserved for a man and names the infant. In witnessing this act, Elewa's drunken uncle doesn't scold the women but instead cheers for them. He recognizes that they represent a powerful force challenging the world's expectations. Their actions exemplify their determination to uphold the essential traditions of their culture, honoring their heritage and maintaining a meaningful connection to the spirit of their people. As the uncle exclaims, "That is how to handle the world!" (Chapter 18).

Again, Beatrice is the novel's single most spiritual character. Achebe identifies her strongly with the goddess Idemili, who was sent to Earth by the Almighty to moderate Power. When the Almighty saw how Power was raging across the Earth, he decided to send Idemili "to bear witness to the moral nature of authority by wrapping around Power’s rude waist a loincloth of peace and modesty." (Chapter 8) She was sent to Earth in a Pillar of Water connecting heaven and earth and has been worshipped ever since. On the night Ikem visits Beatrice and they discuss his newfound respect for the important role women should be given in society, Ikem tells her that it was not raining at his house but that when he started out to see her, it "was literally like barging into a pillar of rain"—a clear reference to the goddess. In another scene, Beatrice is summoned to the palace for a dinner. As the evening progresses, she notices that an American reporters becoming overly familiar and suggestive with Sam. Although Beatrice is not an admirer of Sam's, she is a patriot to her country and cannot stand to see its leader the object of such shameless overtures by a foreigner. In order to avert his attention, she throws herself at him, dancing with him. Once Sam is fully aroused and no longer thinking of the reporter, Beatrice leads him outside and explains her actions to him. Sam calls her a racist and sends her home immediately. This scene shows that Beatrice, like Idemili, is compelled to uphold peace and morality by wrapping a loincloth, so to speak, around Power's rude waist. 

When delving deeper into Beatrice's character in Chinua Achebe's "Anthills of the Savannah," we discover subtle clues that hint at her significance beyond being an ordinary government employee or citizen of Kangan. Her name, Beatrice, holds a profound meaning derived from the Latin root "beatus," signifying happiness and blessing. This association with joy and blessedness resonates in words like "beatify," "beatific," and "beatitudes." Achebe deliberately chooses this name for her instead of her father-given name, Nwanyibuife, meaning "A Woman Is Also Something." By drawing a parallel to Dante's Beatrice, who guides him through heaven in the Divine Comedy, Achebe underscores Beatrice's growth and acquisition of wisdom and presence. Her experiences highlight the enduring strength and unity of her people, even in the face of political turmoil and social unrest.

In "Anthills of the Savannah," Beatrice emerges as a compelling character, representing the resilience and aspirations of Nigerian women. Through her name and symbolic associations, she transcends the role of a mere government employee, embodying happiness, blessing, and wisdom. Achebe's portrayal of Beatrice serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of her people, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, unity and strength prevail. As readers, we are reminded of the power of individual agency and the transformative potential of those who dare to challenge societal norms. Beatrice's journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the capacity for change and growth.

Ardhendu De

Ref:

Killam, G.D., The writing of east and central Africa. Heinemann International Literature & Textbooks, 1985.

Arthur, Gakwandi, Shatto. Novel and Contemporary Experience in Africa. Holmes & Meier Publishers Inc, 1981.

E. Modupe Kolawole, Mary. “Mutiple Inscriptions and the Location of Women in China Achebe’s Novel”. Chinua Achebe An Anthology of Recent Criticism. Ed. Mala Pandurang, Pencraft International, Delhi, 2010.

- See more at: http://ardhendude.blogspot.in/2014/09/chinua-achebes-things-fall-apart-1958.html#sthash.G1jFSFJC.dpuf

Ardhendu De

Ref:

1. Killam, G.D., The writing of east and central Africa. Heinemann International Literature & Textbooks, 1985.

2. Arthur, Gakwandi, Shatto. Novel and Contemporary Experience in Africa. Holmes & Meier Publishers Inc, 1981.

3. E. Modupe Kolawole, Mary. “Mutiple Inscriptions and the Location of Women in China Achebe’s Novel”. Chinua Achebe An Anthology of Recent Criticism. Ed. Mala Pandurang, Pencraft International, Delhi, 2010.

4. Achebe, C. (1997, February 4). Anthills of the Savannah. https://doi.org/10.1604/9780385260459