Chinua achebe biography summary organizer printable
Chinua Achebe, a prominent Nigerian writer, is celebrated for his novel Things Fall Apart, which highlights the challenges of African culture amid colonial influences. Chinua Achebe was a revered Nigerian writer and educator, best known for his groundbreaking debut novel, "Things Fall Apart," published in This seminal work is often regarded as one of the foundational texts of African literature, selling over 20 million copies and translated into more than 50 languages.
Achebe illuminated the complexities of Nigerian society, particularly the clash between indigenous cultures and colonial influences. Beyond "Things Fall Apart," he authored several significant novels, including "No Longer at Ease," "Arrow of God," and "Anthills of the Savannah," which further explored themes of tradition, conflict, and identity in a rapidly changing world.
This single-page worksheet (includes both printable PDF & Google Drive versions) is a powerful research organizer that'll get students digging deep into Achebe.
Achebe's academic career was as impactful as his literary contributions. He held teaching positions at various prestigious universities in both Nigeria and the United States, such as the University of Massachusetts and Brown University. In addition to his novels, Achebe published short stories, essays, and poetry, addressing cultural and postcolonial issues.
He garnered numerous awards throughout his career, including the Man Booker International Prize in Achebe's influence extended beyond literature as he actively engaged in political and social discourse, advocating for Nigerian culture and contributing to global conversations about race, identity, and history until his passing in Chinua Achebe, born Albert Chinualumogu Achebe on November 16, , in Ogidi, Nigeria, was immersed in the rich traditions of the Igbo culture from a young age.
His early years were shaped by a society that valued storytelling, and it was within this vibrant context that Achebe developed his love for literature. His family's decision to embrace Western education played a pivotal role in his life; they encouraged him to pursue his studies, which would ultimately lead him to the University College, now known as the University of Ibadan.
There, he studied English literature, an education that would prove essential for his future career as a writer. After obtaining his degree, Achebe began his professional life as a teacher, influencing generations of Nigerian students.