After a War by Chinua Achebe

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After a War by Chinua Achebe

life catches

desperately at passing

hints of normalcy like

vines entwining a hollow

twig; its famished roots close on rubble and every piece of broken glass.

Irritations we used

to curse return to joyous tables 

like prodigals home from the city... 

The meter man serving my maiden bill

 brought a friendly face to my circle of sullen strangers 

and me smiling gratefully to the door.

After a war

we clutch at watery scum pulsating 

on listless eddies of our spent

deluge.... 

Convalescent dancers rising too soon to rejoin their circle dance 

our powerless feet intent as before but no longer

adept contrive only

half-remembered

eccentric steps.

After years

of pressing death and dizzy last-hour reprieves 

we're glad to dump our fears 

and our perilous gains together 

in one shallow grave 

and flee the same rueful way 

we came straight home to haunted revelry.

General Introduction

"After a War" by Chinua Achebe reflects on the aftermath of conflict and the struggle to return to normalcy. Through vivid imagery and poignant reflections, the poem explores themes of resilience, the impact of war on society, and the human ability to find joy amidst devastation.

Title

The title "After a War" immediately sets the context for the poem, suggesting a period of transition and recovery following a war.

Themes

1. Resilience and Survival:

The poem portrays the resilience of life and humanity in the face of destruction. Lines such as "life catches / desperately at passing hints of normalcy" demonstrate the instinctive drive to survive and rebuild after war.

2. Fragility of Normalcy:

Achebe illustrates how the semblance of normalcy after war is fragile, likening it to "vines entwining a hollow twig." This imagery conveys the precarious nature of post-war life, where even small signs of normalcy are clung to desperately.

3. The Return of Joy:

Despite the hardships, there are moments of joy and relief. The return of familiar irritations, like the meter man serving a bill, is welcomed "like prodigals home from the city," indicating a return to a semblance of routine and normal life.

4. Loss and Memory:

The poem touches on the loss experienced during war, both in terms of physical destruction ("rubble and every piece of broken glass") and the loss of normalcy. The reference to "half-remembered / eccentric steps" suggests the loss of past familiarity and the struggle to regain it.

5. The Cycle of Life:

Achebe portrays life as a cyclical process, likening it to "watery scum pulsating on listless eddies." This imagery suggests that despite the turmoil of war, life continues in a relentless cycle, with moments of stagnation and renewal.

Literary Devices

1. Imagery:

Achebe uses vivid imagery to evoke the post-war landscape, such as "vines entwining a hollow twig" and "watery scum pulsating on listless eddies." These images convey the desolation and fragility of the post-war environment.

2. Personification:

The poem personifies life, portraying it as actively seeking normalcy ("life catches / desperately at passing hints of normalcy"). This personification emphasizes the resilience and determination of life in the face of adversity.

3. Metaphor:

The return of familiar irritations is metaphorically compared to prodigals returning home, highlighting the unexpected comfort found in the familiar, even when it was once a source of annoyance.

4. Symbolism:

The "meter man serving my maiden bill" symbolizes the return of routine and normalcy after war. His presence brings a sense of familiarity and stability in a changed world.

5. Alliteration:

The repetition of the "s" sound in "serving my maiden bill" and "sullen strangers" creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, drawing attention to these moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.

6. Irony:

There is a subtle irony in the poem, as the return to normalcy is portrayed with a mix of joy and resignation, suggesting that the new normal is not entirely welcomed but accepted as a part of post-war life.

Language and Mood

The language of the poem is reflective and introspective, capturing the complex emotions of life after war. The mood shifts between desperation, joy, resignation, and a sense of resilience, reflecting the multifaceted nature of post-war experiences.

Context

Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author, often explored themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and the effects of war in his works. "After a War" can be seen in the context of Achebe's broader body of work, highlighting his concern for the human cost of conflict and his belief in the resilience of the human spirit.

Conclusion

"After a War" by Chinua Achebe is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of conflict, portraying the fragility of normalcy, the resilience of life, and the complexities of rebuilding after war. Through vivid imagery and subtle irony, Achebe captures the tumultuous emotions and experiences of life after war, highlighting the enduring strength of the human spirit.