Bryce Daniel

Mrs. Battenfeld
IB History 1
21 February 2013

Journal # 2
1. Summary
a. “After independence, it didn’t matter what you knew, but who you knew” (17). The
narrator, Odili, reflects on this idea thinking that it is fairly true. You can know
everything and not get anywhere, but if you know someone in power or high in
command, you can make a difference.
b. “I realized that I should have died and let my mother live” for it is “better the water
spilled than the pot broken” (28). Odili, the narrator, feels as though he should
have died instead of his mother. It messes him up as a child a bit and the other
children are brutally honest that it is his fault that his mother died.
c. Mr. Nanga, the Minister expresses some nationalist and anti-english views in
chapter four. He advises that his children be “taken home to their village once a
year” (39). “Without it, they would become English people” (39). This is stated in a
way that implies that being English and losing one’s culture is something terrible.
d. Odili continues to prove that it is who you know. He recounts the time when he
had dinner with the Minister and how just being in his presence gave him a
“heightened significance” (50). He enjoys keeping company with Mr. Nanga and
the opportunities where he can show off his knowledge.
e. At the end of chapter 5, the richness of Europe is expressed through a man in the
crowd and his extravagant clothing. His robe was made of “100% wool: made in
England ” (65). This label goes along the edge of the fabric and the man, when he
pulls up his sleeves, makes sure not to diminish the quality of the cloth. The last
sentence notes that the man is wearing a gold change. This arbitrary comment is
a jab at England and their excessive extravagance. They flaunt their wealth
around their necks rather than investing in their country.
f. Lastly, chapter 7 gives some background on Minster Nanga. He was born a
politician. He could accomplish and get away with anything he wanted. “As long
as men are swayed by their hearts and stomachs and not their head, the Chief
Nangas of the world will continue to get away with anything. The narrator, an in
extension Achebe, hits on a key point of politics. They are run by the corrupt and
as long as people accept bribes, they will remain in power.

2. Scope:
a. In this section of the book, the author, Achebe, mainly focuses on the society that
surrounds Chief Nanga. The narrator, Odili, notes that he feels to be of a superior
class when is in the company of Nanga. Also, Achebe reflects upon politics;
according to him, as long as people are driven by selfish desires, their stomach, or
emotions, their hearts, then the world will continue to be run by the “Mr. Nangas”
of the world. Additionally, Achebe explores the theme of nationalism. Through
various things said, it is clear that he holds some anti-european sentiments and
strong nationalistic views. This theme is introduced in the beginning of the section
 and carried through the section to the point in which he addresses the clothing of
a European man. Lastly, Odili represents the newer class of society while Nanga
represents the traditional Nigerian customs. This eventually leads to the a growing
conflict between Nanga and Odili.

3. Method
a. Although this is fiction, Achebe is able to use it to describe events similar to real
life as well as pull in archetypal characters from the politics of the type. Nanga
represents the traditional and conservative political leader. He keeps with classical
values and is not particularly quick to make change. Originally Odili is fascinated
and almost in love with the idea of Nanga, but he slowly realizes that they want
different things. Odili is more of the radical figure, representing the Nigerian youth.
College educated and politically aware, he is ready for change. The scope is
structured so that it sets up the two characters and the similarities in ideals.
However, we learn that they are actually very different and Odili has other plans,
while Nanga does not even want to embrace western influence.

4. Value
a. This part sets up the ending of the book mainly, as it shoes the clashing of two
soon-to-be prominent political figures. Origin wise, it comes from Achebe, who is
African and lived around the same setting as his book. He writes from experience
which allows him to project his thoughts through the character of Odili.
Furthermore, because it is only written by one person, as opposed to a history
book, there is only one opinion. The method in which Achebe develops his two
characters sets really characterizes his thoughts about nationalism and other
issues of the time.

5. Limits
a. As briefly mentioned above, the book is limited to the fact the book is only written
by Achebe and therefore contains just his opinion. Furthermore, because the book
was written during the time of actual similar events, there is no retrospective
thought put into the fictional work.

Quotes not included: 524 words.