Chinua Achebe's novel "No Longer at Ease": A Satire on Modern Nigerian Urban and Political Problems

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Introduction

Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe's novel "No Longer at Ease" is a compelling narrative that satirically explores the challenges faced by modern Nigerian society, particularly in urban and political contexts. Published in 1960, the novel presents the struggles of Obi Okonkwo, a young Nigerian man educated in England, as he navigates the complexities of post-colonial Nigeria. Through Obi's experiences, Achebe satirizes various aspects of Nigerian urban life, political corruption, and the clash between traditional values and modernity. This essay analyzes "No Longer at Ease" as a satire on modern Nigerian urban and political problems, examining the key themes and narrative techniques used by Achebe to portray the societal issues of the time.

I. Obi Okonkwo and the Clash of Cultures

A. Obi's Western Education

The protagonist, Obi Okonkwo, is a representation of the clash between traditional African values and modern Western influences. Educated in England, Obi is well-versed in Western ideals, but his return to Nigeria exposes him to the complexities of reconciling his modern beliefs with the traditional expectations of his Igbo heritage.

B. The Struggle for Identity

Obi Okonkwo has returned to Nigeria after studying in England. However, he is torn between the traditional values of his culture and the modern values of the West. He wants to be a good man and a good citizen, but he is also struggling to find his place in the world. He is caught between two worlds, and he is no longer at ease.

Here are some of the specific ways in which Obi struggles with his identity:

  • He is unable to marry the woman he loves because she is considered an outcast.
  • He is pressured to take bribes in his job, but he refuses to do so.
  • He is criticized by his family and community for his Western ways.
  • He feels like he does not belong in either the traditional or modern world.


Obi's struggle for identity is a reflection of the larger struggle that many Africans faced during the period of decolonization. They were trying to find a way to balance their traditional cultures with the new ideas and values that were coming from the West. Obi's story is a reminder that identity is complex and ever-changing, and that it is never easy to find one's place in the world. Achebe uses Obi's inner conflict to satirize the tensions arising from the juxtaposition of colonial influence and African customs, and the resulting identity crisis faced by the educated elite.

II. Corruption and Bureaucracy in Nigeria

A. The Civil Service

Obi's employment in the Nigerian civil service exposes him to the prevalent corruption and bureaucracy within the system. The novel satirizes the inefficiency, nepotism, and dishonesty rampant in Nigerian bureaucracy, which hinder progress and exacerbate social problems.

B. The Influence of Bribery

In "No Longer at Ease," bribery is a recurring theme that underscores the corruption plaguing Nigerian society. Achebe uses satire to critique the culture of bribes and kickbacks, highlighting how it compromises the integrity of public institutions and undermines the rule of law.

III. The Struggles of Urban Life in Nigeria

A. Social Pressures and Expectations

Obi's aspirations for a modern lifestyle clash with the traditional expectations of his family and community. The novel satirizes the pressures faced by young Nigerians to conform to societal norms, even when such expectations conflict with their personal dreams and ambitions.

B. Materialism and Consumerism

Achebe uses satire to critique the materialistic tendencies emerging in urban Nigerian society. The desire for material possessions, often associated with modernity, becomes a symbol of the changing values in Nigerian urban life, leading to a loss of cultural authenticity and communal cohesion.

IV. The Dilemma of Interracial Relationships

A. Obi's Love Affair

Obi's love affair with Clara, a Nigerian woman of mixed race, further highlights the complexities of post-colonial Nigerian society. The satire in this aspect of the novel lies in the societal disapproval and prejudices faced by interracial couples, exposing the lingering impact of colonial attitudes on Nigerian attitudes towards race and identity.

B. The Social Divide

Obi's relationship with Clara also highlights the social divide between the educated elite and the less privileged members of Nigerian society. Achebe's satire emphasizes the challenges faced by individuals straddling different social classes, attempting to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

V. The Role of Tradition and Family

A. Obi's Family Influence

Achebe satirizes the traditional family structure's influence on Obi's decisions and actions. The expectations of his parents and extended family place significant pressure on Obi, often leading to moral dilemmas and compromises as he attempts to navigate modernity while preserving his cultural heritage.

B. The Decline of Traditional Values

Through Obi's experiences and choices, Achebe highlights the erosion of traditional values in Nigerian society. The satire in the novel underscores the challenges of maintaining cultural roots amidst the allure of modernity and Western influence.

VI. Conclusion

Chinua Achebe's "No Longer at Ease" stands as a powerful satire on modern Nigerian urban and political problems during the post-colonial era. Through the character of Obi Okonkwo and his experiences, Achebe critiques the clash between traditional values and modern influences, the prevalence of corruption and bureaucracy in Nigerian society, and the struggles faced by young Nigerians in navigating urban life. The novel's satire highlights the dilemmas and contradictions inherent in a rapidly changing society, ultimately inviting readers to reflect on the complex nature of Nigeria's post-independence journey. As a literary work of immense significance, "No Longer at Ease" remains, as  James Currey says, a poignant exploration of the challenges of modernity and the ongoing quest for identity and progress in Nigeria.

Ardhendu De  

Reference

Chinua Achebe | Biography, Books, & Facts. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chinua-Achebe

The African trilogy : Things fall apart ; Arrow of God ; No longer at ease : Achebe, Chinua, author : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/africantrilogyth0000ache

Critical perspectives on Chinua Achebe : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/criticalperspect0000unse_g3j7

Currey, J. (2003). Chinua Achebe, the African Writers Series and the Establishment of African Literature. African Affairs, 102(409), 575–585. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3518514

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