An "If" of History by Chinua Achebe: Poem and Analysis

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The Poem 

Just think, had Hitler won his war the mess our history books would be today. The Americans flushed by verdict of victory hanged a Japanese commander for war crimes. A generation later an itching finger pokes their ribs: We've got to hang

our Westmoreland

for bloodier crimes

in Việt Nam!

But everyone by now must

know that hanging takes much more than a victim no matter his load of manifest guilt. For even in lynching a judge of sorts is needed- a winner. Just think if Hitler had gambled and won what chaos the world would have known. His implacable foe across the Channel would surely have died for war crimes. And as for H. Truman, the Hiroshima villain, well! Had Hitler won his war

de Gaulle would have needed no further trial for was he not condemned already by Paris to die for his treason to France?... Had Hitler won, Vidkun Quisling would have kept his job as Prime Minister of Norway simply by Hitler winning.

General Introduction

"An 'If' of History" by Chinua Achebe is a reflective poem that contemplates the potential consequences if historical events had unfolded differently, particularly if Hitler had won World War II. Through this hypothetical scenario, Achebe explores themes of justice, morality, and the arbitrary nature of historical outcomes.

Title

The title, "An 'If' of History," suggests a contemplation of historical possibilities and the idea of "what if" scenarios, indicating the poet's intent to imagine an alternate course of history.

Themes

1. Justice and Morality:  

   The poem raises questions about justice and morality in the context of historical events. It suggests that the judgment of individuals as "war criminals" can be influenced by the outcome of wars rather than the objective assessment of their actions.  

   "Just think, had Hitler won his war the mess our history books would be today. The Americans flushed by verdict of victory hanged a Japanese commander for war crimes."

2. Consequences of Victory and Defeat:  

   Achebe explores the consequences of victory and defeat in war, suggesting that the judgment of individuals as heroes or villains can be contingent upon which side emerges victorious.  

   "But everyone by now must know that hanging takes much more than a victim no matter his load of manifest guilt."

3. Historical Contingency:  

   The poem reflects on the contingency of historical events, suggesting that significant historical outcomes could have been different if certain events had unfolded in alternative ways.  

   "Just think if Hitler had gambled and won what chaos the world would have known."

4. Power and Judgment:  

   Achebe examines the relationship between power and judgment, suggesting that those in power determine the narratives of history and the judgment of individuals.  

   "For even in lynching a judge of sorts is needed- a winner."

5. Fate and Chance:  

   The poem touches upon the theme of fate and chance, suggesting that the course of history can be influenced by unpredictable factors and decisions.  

   "His implacable foe across the Channel would surely have died for war crimes."

Literary Devices

1. Allusion:  

   Achebe alludes to historical figures and events such as Hitler, Truman, de Gaulle, and Vidkun Quisling, using them to illustrate his points about justice and historical contingency.  

   "And as for H. Truman, the Hiroshima villain, well! Had Hitler won his war"

2. Irony:  

   The poem employs irony to highlight the absurdity of historical judgments and outcomes, particularly in the context of war and politics.  

   "His implacable foe across the Channel would surely have died for war crimes."

3. Imagery:  

   Achebe uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the potential chaos and consequences of Hitler winning World War II, making the hypothetical scenario more tangible.  

   "Just think if Hitler had gambled and won what chaos the world would have known."

4. Parallelism:  

   The poem uses parallel structure to compare different scenarios and outcomes, emphasizing the contrast between what actually happened and what could have happened.  

   "The Americans flushed by verdict of victory hanged a Japanese commander for war crimes."

5. Rhetorical Questions:  

   Achebe uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and to provoke thought about the implications of historical events.  

   "Just think, had Hitler won his war the mess our history books would be today."

6. Symbolism:  

   The poem uses symbols such as hanging and trials to represent broader ideas about justice, power, and historical judgment.  

   "But everyone by now must know that hanging takes much more than a victim no matter his load of manifest guilt."

Language and Mood

The language of the poem is contemplative and speculative, inviting readers to consider the implications of historical events. The mood is somber and reflective, conveying a sense of the weight of history and the consequences of human actions.

Context

"An 'If' of History" was written by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, known for his exploration of African identity and colonialism in his works. The poem reflects Achebe's broader themes of justice, power, and the impact of historical events on individuals and societies.

Conclusion

"An 'If' of History" is a thought-provoking poem that invites readers to consider the implications of historical events and the contingent nature of history. Through its exploration of justice, morality, power, and fate, the poem challenges readers to question the narratives of history and to consider the complexities of human actions and decisions.