An Adequate Revolution: Achebe Writes Africa Anew

Abstract

Achebe’s seminal contribution not only to African, English, and world literature, but also to a generational shift in African and international perceptions of Africa, is tied to his multifaceted use and representation of language. In Things Fall Apart the words of the Igbo characters comprise the vehicle by which Achebe answers two slanders by European writers against Africans: that they are physically savage and verbally undeveloped. The words, moreover, that encourage peace, that stem violence, in the novel are realized through dialogue. Such dialogue not only responds to distorted portrayals of African language and society, but also celebrates the dignity of African people and their cultures.