Ecocriticism and Postcolonialism in The Flute by Chinua Achebe

Also Read

 Re-reading Achebe's "The Flute": From Ecocritical and Postcolonial Lens

Chinua Achebe's "The Flute," a seemingly simple children's story, offers layers of meaning beyond its surface. Through an ecocritical and postcolonial lens, the story unveils a subtle critique of environmental exploitation and the materialism introduced by colonialism.

Ecocriticism and the Spirit World

The Igbo belief system, as reflected in the story, portrays the world as a complex web of interconnectedness. The human realm coexists with the spirit world, which likely resides in natural spaces like the farm on the story's edge. The family's awareness of the spirits and their respect for the nighttime boundary highlight the importance of maintaining a balance with nature. Venturing into the spirit world after dark disrupts this harmony, symbolizing the potential consequences of human encroachment on the natural world. The spirits themselves can be seen as guardians of this balance, ensuring that humans respect their domain. The story implicitly suggests that respecting the spirit world, by extension, translates to respecting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Postcolonial Critique of Materialism

The introduction of contrasting desires between the two wives can be interpreted through a postcolonial lens. The senior wife's envy and her son's focus on materialistic gain, symbolized by the golden flute and the larger pot, can be seen as a consequence of colonial influence. Colonial powers often emphasized material wealth and exploitation of resources, a perspective that can be seen seeping into the senior wife's desire for a seemingly grander reward. The story subtly critiques this mindset by highlighting the devastating consequences it brings. The unleashing of evils can be interpreted as a metaphor for the environmental and societal destruction that unchecked materialism can cause.

The Value of Igbo Tradition

In contrast, the young boy's contentment with his simple flute and the pot that provides sufficiently represent Igbo values. His actions demonstrate a respect for what he already has and a lack of desire for excessive riches. This focus on sufficiency aligns with an ecocritical perspective that emphasizes living in harmony with nature rather than seeking to exploit it for unlimited resources.  

Conclusion

Achebe's "The Flute" transcends its folktale origins. By reading it through an ecocritical and postcolonial lens, we discover a call for respecting the natural world and a critique of materialism. The story reminds us that true wealth lies not in accumulating possessions but in appreciating what we already have and living in balance with the environment. It is a message that continues to resonate in today's world grappling with environmental challenges and the lingering effects of colonialism.