Civil Peace
Chinua Achebe
Civil Peace is a short story written by Chinua Achebe, a famous Nigerian writer. The story
takes place in Nigeria after the Biafran Civil
War, which left many people poor and struggling. It shows how
people try to rebuild their lives with hope and courage, even after going
through very hard times.
Setting
The story takes place in Nigeria, just
after the civil war (Biafran War from 1967 to 1970). People are trying
to rebuild their lives after the fighting ends. The setting shows how hard life
is for many Nigerians, but also how hopeful and strong they are. There is a
feeling of both struggle and hope in the air, as everyone tries to start over.
Plot
The story is about Jonathan Iwegbu, a
man who is thankful to have survived the war with most of his family. He
returns home and finds that his house is still standing. He starts working hard
by turning his bicycle into a taxi and opening a small shop. One day, he
receives some money from the government. That night, thieves come and
demand money. Instead of fighting, Jonathan gives them what he has. He stays
calm and says, "Nothing puzzles God," meaning he accepts
whatever happens and keeps faith in God.
Main Characters
- Jonathan
Iwegbu
– The main character. He is positive, hardworking, and thankful to be
alive. He shows strength and hope after the war.
- Maria –
Jonathan’s wife. She helps him work and supports the family. She shares
his strong and hopeful spirit.
- The
Thieves
– A group of robbers who break into Jonathan’s home and steal money. They
show that life is still hard and unsafe, even after the war.
The story takes place in Nigeria, just
after the civil war (Biafran War from 1967 to 1970). People are trying
to rebuild their lives after the fighting ends. The setting shows how hard life
is for many Nigerians, but also how hopeful and strong they are. There is a
feeling of both struggle and hope in the air, as everyone tries to start over.
Themes
1.
Survival and
Resilience: The central theme of Civil Peace is the resilience of individuals in the
face of adversity. Jonathan’s ability to find hope and rebuild after the war
illustrates the human capacity to survive, even in the most difficult
circumstances.
2.
Hope and Optimism: Despite the destruction caused by the civil war, Jonathan’s
optimistic attitude allows him to make the best of his situation. This theme
emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope in the face of hardship.
3.
The Fragility of Peace: The story subtly highlights how peace, once achieved after
the war, remains fragile and subject to the uncertainties of life. The break-in
by thieves symbolizes the continuing instability and challenges of post-war
society.
4.
Materialism vs. Human
Values: Jonathan’s response to the
thieves—offering them money without resistance—suggests that human life and
peace are more valuable than material possessions. His decision reflects a
focus on personal dignity and peace rather than the accumulation of wealth.
Summary in short
Civil Peace is a story about Jonathan
Iwegbu, a man who survives the Nigerian civil war with his
wife, three children, and a bicycle. He feels lucky and thankful to God. After
the war, Jonathan rebuilds his life by using his bicycle as a taxi and starting
a small business. One day, he receives 20 pounds from the government as a reward.
However, that night, thieves
come and demand the money. To protect his family, Jonathan gives it to them
without fighting. Even after losing the money, he stays calm and says, “Nothing puzzles God.” The story shows Jonathan’s hope, strength, and positive attitude. It teaches
us that life and family are more valuable than money, and
that peace takes time.
Summary in detail
"Civil Peace" by
Chinua Achebe is a short story set in post-civil war Nigeria, focusing on
Jonathan Iwegbu, a man who considers himself extraordinarily lucky to have
survived the war with his wife, three of his four children, and his bicycle.
Jonathan is a symbol of resilience and optimism, grateful for the simple
blessings he has. After the war, he returns to his home and finds it still
standing, albeit slightly damaged. Jonathan begins using his bicycle to run a
taxi service, demonstrating his resourcefulness in difficult times.
Jonathan’s optimism is further rewarded when he receives an
ex-gratia payment of 20 pounds from the government for turning in rebel
currency. This unexpected windfall seems to promise a fresh start, reinforcing
Jonathan’s belief that “nothing puzzles God.” He uses the money to support his
family, reflecting his pragmatic approach to rebuilding their lives. Achebe
highlights the fragility of peace and the uneasy transition from war to
civilian life through Jonathan’s experiences.
However, the harsh realities of post-war society soon manifest
when a group of thieves arrives at Jonathan’s house, demanding the 20 pounds.
Despite Jonathan’s protests that he has no money, the thieves insist and
eventually accept 20 pounds as a bribe to leave his family unharmed. The tense
encounter underscores the lingering lawlessness and instability of the period,
revealing how ordinary people are forced to navigate threats with calm
resilience.
In the aftermath, Jonathan remains unfazed, maintaining his
positive outlook. He insists that the loss of money is insignificant compared
to the lives of his family. Achebe concludes the story with Jonathan’s
steadfast belief in moving forward, highlighting the theme of survival and
hope. “Civil Peace” ultimately reflects on the human capacity for endurance,
suggesting that true wealth lies in family, perseverance, and the ability to
adapt.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Why did Jonathan think of himself as ‘extraordinarily lucky’?
Jonathan thought of himself as "extraordinarily lucky"
because he and his family survived the Nigerian Civil War with minimal losses
out of his entire family, only one of his four children died during the war;
which he considered a blessing compared to the widespread devastation and loss
experienced by many others. Additionally, his house remained standing, albeit
slightly damaged, while many others had been destroyed.
Jonathan also felt fortunate to still possess his bicycle, which
he cleverly buried during the war to prevent it from being confiscated. After
the war, the bicycle became a valuable asset, allowing him to start a taxi
service and earn money. These factors contributed to Jonathan’s sense of
gratitude and reinforced his belief that life itself was the greatest fortune,
regardless of material wealth.
b. What are the ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful?
The "five blessings" for which Jonathan is grateful are
his life, the lives of his wife, Maria, and the lives of his three surviving
children. Despite the hardships and losses caused by the Nigerian Civil War,
Jonathan considers the survival of his family to be a remarkable fortune.
These blessings symbolize the essence of Jonathan’s optimism and
resilience. To him, the safety and well-being of his family far outweigh any
material loss, reflecting his belief that life itself is the greatest treasure.
His gratitude for these five blessings shapes his positive outlook as he works
to rebuild his life after the war.
c. Why did Jonathan mistrust the officer who wanted to take his
bicycle? What does this tell you about the situation in Nigeria?
Jonathan mistrusted the officer
who wanted to take his bicycle because he recognized the officer’s likely
corruption and saw the demand as an opportunistic attempt to exploit civilians.
The officer’s vague justification of needing the bicycle for “military
purposes” seemed dubious, prompting Jonathan to bribe him to avoid losing his
valuable possession. This reflects the broader situation in post-war Nigeria, where
corruption, lawlessness, and abuse of power were widespread. The war had
weakened institutions, leaving ordinary people vulnerable to exploitation by
those in authority. Achebe uses this encounter to highlight how survival often
depended on navigating a fragile and morally compromised society.
d. What visitors might be at the door? Are Jonathan and his wife
completely surprised? Explain.
The visitors at the door are a group of thieves who arrive in the
middle of the night, demanding Jonathan’s ex-gratia payment of 20 pounds.
Jonathan and his wife are not completely surprised by the visit, as they live
in a society struggling with instability and lawlessness after the war.
Although frightened, they seem to have anticipated the possibility of such
threats, which explains why they react with relative calm and try to negotiate
with the thieves.
Their experience reflects the harsh realities of post-war Nigeria,
where robbery and violence were common, and people had to remain vigilant.
Jonathan’s ability to stay composed and his willingness to part with the money
without resistance demonstrate his understanding that material possessions can
be replaced, but the safety of his family is paramount.
e. Why does no one in the neighborhood respond when the thieves pound
on Jonathan’s door? Why do the thieves call for the police?
No one in the neighborhood responds when the thieves pound on
Jonathan’s door because fear and a sense of helplessness pervade the community.
In post-war Nigeria, law enforcement was either absent or ineffective, and
people had grown accustomed to such incidents, choosing to avoid involvement to
protect them. The neighbors likely feared retaliation if they intervened,
reflecting the widespread insecurity and lack of trust in collective action.
The thieves mockingly call for the police, knowing full well that
no help will come. This act highlights the breakdown of law and order, as the
thieves exploit the absence of authority to intimidate Jonathan further. Their
sarcastic call underscores the irony and hopelessness of the situation,
emphasizing the chaotic and fragile nature of life in the aftermath of war.
Reference in the context
a. What does Jonathan mean by his expression “Nothing puzzles God”?
What does this expression reveal about his character? Explain by citing details
from the story.
In the story “Civil Peace”, Jonathan uses this expression “Nothing
puzzles God” every time when something miraculous happens with him. He uses
this line when he gets his bicycle back in fine condition out of the ground.
Next, he uses it when he finds his house is still standing after the war. By
“Nothing puzzles God” he means that anything can happen, but Almighty God,
being omniscient, is not surprised and puzzled by anything which means that God
knows each and every thing. The last time he uses it at the end of the story
after his family is robbed of the exgratia. This expression reveals that he is
quite optimistic person who has believed in God. He feels too delighted to get
miracles in his life. This expression also reveals that he is a good person who
enjoys everything he has but never laments on his lose. Therefore, his
character was optimistic, hopeful and religious.
b. How does Jonathan change as he experiences the conflicts in his
life? Explain.
As Jonathan experiences conflicts
in his life, he grows more resilient, adaptable, and accepting of hardship. The
war and its aftermath teach him to value what he has rather than lament what he
has lost. His resourcefulness in using his bicycle for income and his gratitude
for his surviving family reflect his ability to find hope amid adversity. When
confronted by thieves, Jonathan remains calm and pragmatic, choosing to
surrender his money rather than risk his family’s safety. This response
highlights his shift from clinging to material possessions to prioritizing life
and security. Ultimately, Jonathan’s experiences shape him into a man who
embraces peace and resilience, believing that as long as he and his family
survive, they can rebuild and move forward.
c. Nigerian English has words like soja ‘soldier’ and katakata
‘confusion’, ‘trouble’ derived apparently from English words but transformed by
native languages’ phonologies. What does the author’s use of dialect here add
to the story?
The author’s use of Nigerian English and dialect, with words like soja (soldier) and katakata (confusion,
trouble), adds authenticity and cultural richness to the story. By
incorporating these localized expressions, Achebe grounds the narrative in the
lived experiences and linguistic landscape of post-war Nigeria. This use of
dialect reflects the blending of English with native languages, capturing the
voice of ordinary Nigerians and highlighting the resilience and adaptability of
the people.
The dialect also deepens the reader’s immersion in the setting,
emphasizing the socio-political realities faced by characters like Jonathan. It
conveys the informal, often chaotic nature of life in post-civil war Nigeria,
where official language and structures had eroded. Through this linguistic
choice, Achebe not only preserves the cultural identity of his characters but
also underscores the themes of survival and resourcefulness in the face of katakata.
d. Why do you think the thieves who come to rob Jonathan speak English
with a heavier African accent than Jonathan does?
The thieves speaking English with a heavier African accent than
Jonathan serves as a subtle reflection of their social position and character,
while Jonathan is portrayed as resourceful, hardworking, and striving to rebuild
his life after the war, the thieves represent lawlessness and exploitation.
Their heavier accent may suggest that they are less educated or have a lower
social status, potentially signaling their lack of refinement or formal
upbringing.
In contrast, Jonathan's relatively lighter accent may indicate his
efforts to adapt to societal norms, as he is focused on survival and rebuilding
his family’s life. This linguistic difference underscores the divide between
individuals who are trying to make an honest living and those who exploit the
vulnerable. Additionally, it adds depth to the characters, illustrating that
even in a shared language; accents can reveal aspects of one’s background,
values, and actions.
f. The title of the story "Civil Peace" itself is ironical as
there is little to differentiate ‘civil peace’ from ‘civil war’. Do you think
that the title of this story is appropriate, or would “Civil War” have been a
better title? Explain.
The title "Civil Peace"
is indeed ironic, as it highlights the contrast between the ideal of peace and
the harsh realities faced by the characters in the aftermath of the Nigerian
Civil War. While Jonathan considers himself fortunate for surviving the war and
tries to rebuild his life, the conditions he faces—corruption, lawlessness, and
violence—suggest that true peace has not been fully achieved. The presence of
thieves, exploitation, and a lack of effective law enforcement illustrates that
the aftermath of war has left the society in a state of unstable and fragile
peace.
Choosing "Civil Peace"
as the title emphasizes the irony that peace, though declared, is still tenuous
and incomplete. It underscores the gap between the official end of the war and
the lived reality of the people, who continue to struggle with the consequences
of the conflict. While "Civil War" could have been an appropriate
title to reflect the destruction and violence of the past, "Civil
Peace" effectively captures the unresolved nature of the post-war
situation, drawing attention to the struggles that continue even after the war
has ended. It highlights the paradox of surviving a war but still facing
conflict in daily life. Thus, the title is fitting as it encapsulates the theme
of fragile peace amidst ongoing challenges.
Reference beyond the text
a. How would you describe the civil peace in Nigeria?
The civil peace in post-war
Nigeria is fragile and precarious, existing more as a thin veneer over the deep
scars left by the civil war. While the formal end of the conflict brought an
official sense of peace, the reality for many Nigerians, like Jonathan, is far
from serene. The country remains plagued by corruption, lawlessness, and
economic instability, with many people still struggling to rebuild their lives.
Though Jonathan’s family survives and makes efforts to regain stability, they
constantly face threats, such as robbery and exploitation, reflecting the lack
of true safety or order. This civil peace is more about surviving in a broken
system than enjoying the benefits of genuine peace, highlighting the paradox of
a society that is officially peaceful but still deeply fractured and vulnerable.
b. What kind of attitude towards life do you think you would have if
your situation was similar to that of Jonathan’s?
If my situation were similar to
Jonathan's, I would likely adopt an attitude of resilience, gratitude, and
pragmatism. Like Jonathan, I would focus on appreciating the things I still
have—such as the safety of my loved ones and the opportunity to rebuild—rather
than dwelling on the losses endured. I would approach life with a sense of
resourcefulness, finding ways to make the best of limited resources and
adapting to new challenges as they arise. Jonathan’s unwavering optimism,
despite the hardships he faces, suggests that having a strong sense of hope and
prioritizing the well-being of family over material wealth would be crucial in
maintaining mental strength. I would likely embrace a mindset focused on
survival and forward movement, believing that even in difficult circumstances,
there is always the possibility of recovery and growth.
c. Draw the character sketch of Jonathan Iwegbu.
Jonathan Iwegbu is a symbol of resilience and optimism in Chinua
Achebe’s "Civil Peace." A survivor of the
Nigerian Civil War, Jonathan considers himself “extraordinarily lucky” because
he and his family made it through the conflict relatively unharmed. Despite
losing one child, he feels fortunate that his wife, Maria, and three of his
children are alive, and that their house is still standing. His deep sense of
gratitude for the basic things—his family’s survival and the opportunity to
rebuild—is a central part of his character. Jonathan doesn’t dwell on his
losses but focuses on what remains, which gives him a unique perspective on
life.
Resourceful and practical, Jonathan immediately begins to rebuild
after the war by using his bicycle to offer taxi services. This willingness to
find practical solutions to challenges shows his adaptability in the face of
difficult circumstances. When he receives an unexpected ex-gratia payment of 20
pounds from the government, Jonathan’s first instinct is to invest it wisely to
further support his family. His pragmatic attitude is also reflected in his
calm approach to hardship, as he does not view the loss of material
possessions, like money, as catastrophic. He is more concerned with the
survival and well-being of his loved ones than with wealth or status.
Jonathan’s character is also defined by his unwavering optimism.
He constantly reassures himself and others that “nothing puzzles God,” showing
his faith that everything will work out in the end, no matter how dire the
situation may seem. Even when faced with threats, such as when thieves demand
his 20 pounds, Jonathan remains composed. Rather than reacting with anger or
fear, he negotiates and complies to protect his family’s safety. His ability to
stay calm in the face of danger reflects a mindset focused on survival and
finding peace, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
However, Jonathan’s calmness should not be mistaken for passivity.
He demonstrates courage when needed, such as when confronting the thieves, but
always prioritizes the well-being of his family over material losses. This
selflessness shows that, for Jonathan, family and the preservation of life are
more important than anything else. His resourcefulness, optimism, and ability
to remain focused on what truly matters make him a strong and enduring figure.
Ultimately, Jonathan Iwegbu embodies the values of resilience, hope, and
survival, providing a powerful example of how one can endure and rebuild in the
face of adversity.
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