Chinua Achebe’s symbolism of inspiration
Chinua Achebe is a symbol of inspiration to his readers. Chinua Achebe’s early work ‘There Was a Country’ is a story that talks of his motivation to become a writer. Born in Nigeria, Achebe describes his youth as adventurers because he explored what he wanted most, writing. Achebe joined college to pursue his writing career, and at last, he became one of the greatest authors in Africa and the world. Achebe’s rise from nothing to a celebrity author motivates readers that nothing is impossible as long as one is determined to succeed. Therefore, Achebe symbolizes encouragement to his readers.
Colonialism in Africa
Colonialism in Africa is symbolized by the British presence in Nigeria when Achebe is still a youth. Most of Achebe's early writings are about the independence of Nigeria and other African states. Consequently, colonialism denied most Africans opportunities to explore their potential. Luckily, Achebe's determination enabled him to go against the odds to become an established author.
Violence and war
Violence and war are symbolized by the Igbo people's decision to establish their country within Nigeria. Igbo is the largest tribe in Nigeria but were mistreated in other states within the country where they were minorities. The civil war later broke up when Nigeria failed to recognize Igbo's established country as a republic. The war and violence that broke up also symbolized the internal battles in Africa after most countries were declared independent.
The symbolic meaning of the title 'There Was a Country
The title of this book symbolizes the one's existed country within Nigeria called Biafra. Biafra is a republic established by the Igbo people who felt that they were mistreated in other parts of the country where they were a minority. Unfortunately, the country was never recognized, and it was abolished in 1970. Therefore, Achebe reminds readers that at one point, there was a country called Biafran in Nigeria.
Biafran warfare
Biafran warfare represents the disfranchisement of the Igbo people in Nigeria. The primary reason the Igbo people were asking for the legitimacy of their state was to counter historical injustices, rape, and economic deprivation of the Igbo population. When Nigeria refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Biafran state, civil war broke, and it is documented as the worst war ever happened in Nigeria after independence.
