The Corrupting Effects of Power
Throughout the novel, Odili describes various characters and their individual ascents to power. In telling these stories, he commonly finds that each figure grows to be more self-involved and materialistic after acquiring power. These lessons are particularly evident in the narrator's descriptions of the country's political dynamic. Odili repeatedly finds that once someone gets accustomed to the privileges that accompany political involvement, they neglect all fair and just practices. This lesson is particularly evident with the story surrounding his radical Irish former professor. Odili explains that this professor largely inspired the narrator's ideological shift. However, the professor was later appointed in the government cabinet and became “a classic example of the corroding effect of privilege” (111).
Similarly, the reader is forced to recognize how Odili has been corrupted by his own involvement in politics. His initial closeness to Chief Nanga is motivated by Odili's selfish desire to receive a scholarship to a prestigious English university. However, as Odili acquires control, he finds himself attracted to fancy houses and cars. At the novel's conclusion, he decides to use funds allocated to the C.P.C. for Edna's dowry.
It is also important to recognize that the corruptive nature of power is inherently thematic when considering the novel's post-colonial setting. Western imperialist power was the cause for the colonization of Africa in the nineteenth century. The characters of Jean and John, ambassadors from a western country who maintain a patronizing attitude, allow the reader to understand that the national power struggles are motivated by the historical subordination of the African people by Western imperialists.
The Personal is Political
In the 1960s and 1970s, a popular political argument emerged globally that declared that “the personal is political.” Various scholars and activists aimed to underscore the connections between individual, personal experiences and larger dominant social and political structures. A Man of the People is likewise set during this time period, and it is clear that Achebe was profoundly influenced by the various political discussions that occurred during this revolutionary decade.
After Chief Nanga sleeps with Elsie, Odili analyzes Chief Nanga's betrayal as a symbolic representation of how the Minister preys upon the nation's most vulnerable citizens in order to get what he wants. Odili formulates the plans for his revenge by championing the idea that "the personal is political." The narrator aims to threaten the Chief's governmental position and steal his fiancée simultaneously. Throughout the novel, Odili reflects upon the "intertwined" nature of his personal and political pursuits.
The Complacency of the Common Citizen
Throughout the novel, Odili voices his disdain for the nation's "common man." Although many people are disheartened by the nation's politics, their disappointment manifests in disinterest. While they are aware of Chief Nanga's fraudulent real estate cases and other examples of deceit, they still believe that they can get "their share of the national cake" if he is the figure in power. Odili ruminates on the dynamic between the masses and the elite politicians throughout his campaign.
When Odili contests Chief Nanga, he stakes his ideas for reform on the claim that he is the champion of the common person. However, Odili comments on the irony of the C.P.C. and their chosen namesake. During one C.P.C. meeting, he explains that the mobilizing figures of the Common People’s Convention are intellectuals that do not, in reality, represent the entire nation. However, the committee defends their formation, and they draw upon Karl Marx to explain that all revolutions begin with the intellectual elite.
The Pervasiveness of Revenge
Revenge is a ubiquitous force throughout the novel. From Odili's position as narrator, we become aware that many of his behaviors are motivated by his desire to exact revenge. Most obviously, Odili aims to seek revenge on Chief Nanga for sleeping with Elsie. However, we can also deduce that Odili's relentless quest for a female partner is grounded in his desire to seek revenge for the unfortunate circumstances of his birth. Similarly, Odili's involvement in the C.P.C. can be interpreted as a desire to exact revenge on his father and his own ties to the P.O.P.
However, Odili is not the only character in the novel motivated by revenge. Chief Nanga engages in vengeful actions once he discovers that Odili is contesting his cabinet seat. Additionally, following the murder of Max, Eunice seeks revenge by shooting Chief Koko. By including so many instances of revenge in the story, Achebe asserts that revenge is an essential facet of human nature. Achebe specifically asserts that revenge underscores larger, unresolved feelings of anger and betrayal. These emotions are particularly dominant when considering a post-colonial society.
The Marginalization of Women
Throughout the novel, the audience is introduced to a variety of female characters. In observing the presences of these women, we begin to notice a variety of patterns and commonalities. Although the story is told from Odili's perspective, the narrator rarely includes direct quotes from the female characters. Instead, their opinions and perspectives are recounted in a way that understates their significance. Despite their intentional subordination, women remain an integral part of the plot. Specifically, they play an important role in Odili's personal trajectory.
The three most prominent women in the novel are Edna, Elsie, and Mrs. Nanga. Both Elsie and Edna serve as objects of conquest for Chief Nanga and Odili, respectively. While these women have families and careers, the story fails to delve into their interior lives. The intentional superficiality of their depictions leads the reader to see Odili, Chief Nanga, and other male figures as the story's only developed, fully-formed characters. Additionally, women are often blamed or made the scapegoats for the unfortunate circumstances in which many of the men find themselves. Odili witnesses this firsthand when he comments on Edna's passivity regarding her engagement. He sees the engagement as her fault, and he fails to consider how her social class and gender render her unable to oppose this decision. Edna astutely replies that "this is the world of women" (69), and Odili is forced to consider the subjugation of women and its pervasiveness in his society. The only woman that contests this restrictive view of femininity is Eunice, Max's wife. Odili observes the equality of her partnership and the way in which she wields her academic and professional power. Odili is slightly envious of Eunice, and we are prompted to consider how Odili's masculinity is threatened by the presence of a strong African woman.
Troubles Facing Post-Colonial African Society
At the beginning of the novel, we learn that the unnamed African country recently gained its independence. As a result of this development, the country is faced with a variety of political and structural problems. Odili repeatedly discusses the nation's struggles with sanitation and water supply, and these issues most directly affect the nation's poor and rural populations. This heightens Odili's suspicion of the government, as he realizes that politicians are merely trying to profit at the expense of the public welfare because they are excited by their newfound independence.
The story also alludes to the emotional state of post-colonial society. Odili describes feeling anger towards the West through his criticism of the English language and the use of "Christian names." Although Odili is critical of Western influence and prestige, he takes pride in his English education and continues to pursue a graduate degree at the most renowned British university. As characters, John and Jean represent the continuous presence of the West and its effects on African identity. As Jean drives Odili around Bori, Odili becomes aggravated with her condescending tone and commentary surrounding the city's urban planning. He similarly grows irritated at John's assertion that America is the “only powerful country in the history of the world.” These comments reflect the neocolonialist influence and its damaging effects on African society.
Opportunism Versus Hypocrisy
Throughout the novel, Odili is presented with opportunities due to his economic and intellectual privileges. Simultaneously, however, Odili denounces Western education and its conflation with an imperialist mindset. At the beginning of the story, Odili is invited to Chief Nanga's house due to his British educational background. Odili sees this invitation as the chance to continue his studies and reach his long-term goals. However, we are prompted to evaluate whether Odili's self-interest demonstrates his own hypocrisy, or if he is taking advantage of the resources available to him in order to help those that do not have the same privilege.
