The influence of Igbo metaphysics on the writings of Chinua Achebe

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Periodical article

Title:	The influence of Igbo metaphysics on the writings of Chinua Achebe
Author:	Nwachukwu-Agbada, J.O.J.
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Philosophia Africana: Analysis of Philosophy and Issues in Africa and the Black Diaspora
Volume:	11
Issue:	2
Pages:	157-169
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	novels philosophy Igbo
About person:	Albert Chinualumogu Achebe (1930-2013)
Abstract:	At the background of Chinua Achebe's (Nigeria) works is Igbo philosophy and thought. There is a consistent pattern of specific metaphysical events and actions in his novels which ought not to be ignored. His choice of the cyclic and the circular in his literary artifice and artifact is by no means fortuitous. Focus here is on the cyclical paradigm of Igbo metaphysics. In Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' (1958) and 'No Longer at Ease' (1960), there seems to be a replay of tragic outcomes in a way that suggests a cyclic pattern of coming and going in which there seems to be no redeeming feature. Circular or spiral forms and movements in 'Arrow of God' (1964) have semiotic signification. And based on the mode of historical pursuit in his novels, there is no doubt that Achebe's preferred vision of history is the cyclic framework. As a writer of tragedy, history as circularity seems to serve his artistic purpose best. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]