1966 by Chinua Achebe

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The Poem 

absentminded

our thoughtless days

sat at dire controls

and played indolently

slowly downward in remote subterranean shaft

a diamond-tipped

drill point crept closer to residual chaos to rare artesian hatred

that once squirted warm blood in God's face

confirming His first

disappointment in Eden

Nsukka, November 19, 1971

General Introduction  

The poem "1966" by Chinua Achebe reflects on the turbulent period in Nigerian history following the country's independence in 1960, particularly focusing on the events of 1966, a year marked by political turmoil and violence, including military coups and ethnic tensions. Achebe's reflective tone and vivid imagery convey a sense of loss, disillusionment, and the destructive forces unleashed during this period.

Title  

The title "1966" directly references the year that serves as a focal point for the poem's themes, highlighting its significance in Nigerian history and Achebe's personal narrative.

Themes  

1. Loss of Innocence and Disillusionment  

   Achebe portrays a sense of disillusionment and loss of innocence through phrases like "absentminded," "thoughtless days," and "played indolently," suggesting a careless and unaware attitude that led to dire consequences. This loss of innocence is further emphasized by the reference to Eden, suggesting a fall from grace or paradise.

2. Political Turmoil and Chaos  

   The poem alludes to the political turmoil and chaos of 1966, symbolized by the "remote subterranean shaft" and the "diamond-tipped drill point" creeping towards "residual chaos." This imagery suggests the gradual descent into violence and destruction that characterized this period.

3. Violence and Hatred  

   References to "artesian hatred" and "warm blood in God's face" evoke images of violence and conflict, highlighting the destructive nature of human actions during times of political upheaval.

4. Divine Disappointment and Fallibility  

   The poem subtly references God's "first disappointment in Eden," suggesting a parallel between the fall of man in the biblical narrative and the failures of humanity in the context of Nigerian history. This theme reflects on the fallibility of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

5. Historical Reflection and Critique  

   Through the poem, Achebe reflects on historical events and offers a critique of the political and social circumstances that led to the turmoil of 1966. His use of imagery and language serves as a commentary on the failures and consequences of these events.

Literary Devices  

1. Imagery  

   Achebe uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of decay and destruction, such as "remote subterranean shaft," "diamond-tipped drill point," and "rare artesian hatred." These images contribute to the overall mood of the poem and convey its themes effectively.

2. Metaphor  

   The poem contains several metaphors, such as comparing the drill point to "residual chaos" and "artesian hatred," which symbolize the destructive forces at work during the period of political turmoil.

3. Alliteration  

   The repetition of the "d" sound in "dire controls" and "diamond-tipped drill point" creates a harsh and impactful rhythm, emphasizing the destructive nature of the imagery.

4. Symbolism  

   The reference to Eden symbolizes a lost paradise or a state of innocence, contrasting with the chaotic and violent reality depicted in the poem.

5. Irony  

   There is an ironic tone in the phrase "confirming His first / disappointment in Eden," which suggests a divine disappointment in humanity's actions, echoing the biblical narrative of the fall of man.

6. Personification  

   The phrase "played indolently" personifies the actions of the individuals responsible for the events of 1966, suggesting a careless and negligent attitude towards governance and responsibility.

Language and Mood  

The language in the poem is stark and evocative, conveying a mood of introspection, regret, and somber reflection. The use of words like "absentminded," "dire controls," and "rare artesian hatred" creates a sense of foreboding and despair, capturing the turmoil and tragedy of the period.

Context  

Written in 1971, the poem "1966" reflects on the aftermath of the events of 1966 in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and the political instability that followed. Achebe, a prominent Nigerian writer and intellectual, offers a critical perspective on these events, highlighting their impact on the country's trajectory and the human cost of political turmoil.

Conclusion  

In "1966," Chinua Achebe uses powerful imagery and language to reflect on the political turmoil and violence that characterized Nigeria in the aftermath of independence. Through themes of loss, disillusionment, and divine disappointment, Achebe offers a critique of human fallibility and the destructive forces unleashed during times of crisis. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of political instability and the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past.