His use of a central character as the narrator of the novel provide Achebe with both a focus and an opportunity for satire. Readers will want to examine the view of the Nigerian political scene both as seen by Odili and as indicated by the author through his use of irony, satire, and the backdrop of traditional Igbo village and Christian values. As the novel preceded the Nigerian coup of January 1966, it was considered almost prophetic; readers may want to question what truths of observation of human nature and the political scene produced Achebe's uncanny wisdom. As in earlier novels, traditional village values, as well as the Christian ideals which were supposed to replace them, are largely inoperative. Readers can question whether they serve any function at all. Treatment of women and those at the.....
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