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I. Introduction
Chinua Achebe's "The Drum" stands as a powerful testament to the richness of African folklore and storytelling. Set in a world where animals live together in harmony, the story follows the exploits of Tortoise, a cunning and deceitful character who embodies the trickster archetype prevalent in African traditions. Through Tortoise's journey, Achebe masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into themes of power, greed, and cultural identity, using the character as a lens through which to explore these complex concepts.
II. Background Information
Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic, is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in African literature. Born in 1930 in Ogidi, Nigeria, Achebe's works often explore the complexities of African identity and the impact of colonization on African societies. Achebe's decision to revisit the character of Tortoise in "The Drum" is consistent with his belief in the importance of preserving and celebrating African culture.
Summary
"Long, long ago, when the world was young, all the animals lived together in one country. In those days, there were not as many tortoises as there are today but only one tortoise, Mbe, the ancestor of all tortoises. Mbe was a curious and clever creature, always eager to explore the world around him. He would often wander off on his own, searching for new adventures and discoveries.
One day, while out exploring, Mbe came across a beautiful palm tree laden with ripe fruits. The sight of the juicy fruits made Mbe's mouth water, and he couldn't resist the temptation to climb the tree and taste them. As he reached out to pluck a fruit, it slipped from his grasp and fell into a deep hole at the base of the tree.
Undeterred, Mbe descended into the hole to retrieve the fruit. To his surprise, he found himself in the Spirit World, where a mischievous spirit child had just finished eating the fruit. Angered by the loss of his fruit, Mbe demanded recompense from the spirits. In return, the spirits gave Mbe a magical drum that could produce an endless supply of food.
Delighted with his new possession, Mbe returned to his home among the animals. He shared the food from the drum with his fellow creatures, who were amazed by its magical powers. In exchange for the food, Mbe demanded to be made king of the animals.
The animals, who were hungry and eager for food, agreed to Mbe's demands. They crowned him king and celebrated his coronation with a grand feast. However, during the feast, the elephant, who had been chosen to play the drum, became overzealous and broke the drum with his powerful trunk.
Without the drum, Mbe's kingship was meaningless. Disappointed and ashamed, Mbe returned to the Spirit World to seek another drum. This time, the spirits offered him a choice of drums, and Mbe selected the largest and most magnificent drum.
As Mbe ascended from the Spirit World with his new drum, he tested its powers. To his horror, the drum summoned masked spirits who began to attack him with whips. Mbe was badly beaten and stung by wasps and bees that followed the spirits.
Bruised and humiliated, Mbe returned to his kingdom and attempted to regain his authority. However, the animals, who had suffered from his greed and ambition, revolted against him. They chased him out of his kingdom, howling and bleeding, leaving Mbe to ponder the consequences of his actions.
"The Drum" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the abuse of power. Through the character of Mbe, Achebe highlights the importance of humility and respect for others, as well as the consequences of disregarding these values.
Analysis
"The Drum" by Chinua Achebe is a fascinating exploration of African folklore, specifically focusing on the trickster character of the tortoise, a prominent figure in Igbo and other African traditions. The tortoise is portrayed as a cunning and deceitful animal who often breaks traditional norms for personal gain or simply for amusement. Achebe, known for his commitment to rekindling an appreciation for African culture, revisits the tortoise character in one of his adaptations of Igbo folktales for children, published in 1977 as "The Drum."
The story is set in a time when all the animals lived together in harmony. However, a time of famine descends upon the land, prompting Tortoise, named Mbe, to embark on a quest for food. His journey leads him to a palm tree bearing an abundance of ripe fruits. In his eagerness to claim the fruits for himself, Tortoise accidentally falls into a hole. To his surprise, he finds himself in the Spirit World, where a spirit child has just consumed one of his palm fruits.
Demanding recompense for the lost fruit, Tortoise is granted a magical drum by the spirits. This drum has the extraordinary ability to provide an endless supply of food. Overwhelmed by his newfound wealth, Tortoise decides to share his riches with the other animals under the condition that they make him their king.
Despite his initial success, Tortoise's downfall begins during his coronation ceremony when the drum is accidentally broken by an overzealous elephant. Without the drum, Tortoise's kingship crumbles, leading him to return to the Spirit World to acquire another drum through deception.
However, his second attempt at acquiring a drum ends disastrously as the spirits unleash a horde of masked spirits, wasps, and bees upon him, leaving him battered and bruised. Despite this, Tortoise still attempts to wield his power over the animals, only to be met with defiance and rebellion.
Through "The Drum," Achebe transforms a traditional folktale into a political allegory. He portrays Tortoise as a prototypical post-colonial leader who, despite initially having good intentions, is ultimately corrupted by power and brings suffering to his people. Achebe's adaptation underscores the enduring relevance of traditional stories, showing how they can be applied to modern contexts.
In an interview, Achebe reflects on his adaptation, stating that he aimed to make the story applicable to contemporary society. He believes that this was the intent of the original storytellers—to create narratives that would resonate with the issues of their time and serve as cautionary tales for future generations.
Overall, "The Drum" is a powerful narrative that highlights the complexities of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Achebe's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of African culture make this tale a timeless and thought-provoking read.
III. Analysis of Themes
1. Power and Leadership:
Tortoise's desire for power serves as a driving force throughout the story, leading him to manipulate the other animals into making him their king. Achebe uses Tortoise as a metaphor for post-colonial leadership in Africa, highlighting how the quest for power can corrupt even those with good intentions.
2. Greed and Ambition:
Tortoise's greed for food and power is a central theme in the story, driving his actions and ultimately leading to his downfall. Achebe explores the consequences of unchecked ambition, both for Tortoise himself and for the other animals in the story.
3. Cultural Identity:
The drum serves as a symbol of cultural heritage and tradition in the story, representing the importance of preserving African customs in the face of modernization. Achebe uses Tortoise to reflect broader issues of cultural identity, highlighting the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world.
IV. Literary Devices and Techniques
1. Narrative Structure:
Achebe employs a traditional folktale structure in "The Drum," using repetition and moral lessons to engage the reader and convey the story's cultural context. This narrative structure enhances the themes of the story, making them more accessible to a wide audience.
2. Characterization:
Tortoise is portrayed as a complex character with both admirable and despicable qualities, making him a compelling figure for readers. Achebe's depiction of Tortoise's character arc reflects the larger themes of the story, highlighting the complexities of human nature.
V. Cultural Context
The importance of oral tradition in African storytelling is evident in Achebe's narrative style, which draws heavily on traditional storytelling techniques. "The Drum" fits into the broader context of African literature by preserving and celebrating African culture, serving as a reminder of the rich storytelling traditions of the continent.
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Drum" by Chinua Achebe is a timeless tale that explores themes of power, greed, and cultural identity through the character of Tortoise. Achebe's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of African culture make this story a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Through "The Drum," Achebe leaves us with a thought-provoking narrative that encourages further reflection on the themes and messages of the story.
VII. References
The Drum. Enugu, Nigeria: Fourth Dimension, 1977.
Additional references for the article:
1. Ezenwa-Ohaeto, Chinua Achebe. 1997. "Chinua Achebe: A Biography." Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
2. Innes, C. L. 1990. "Chinua Achebe." Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
3. Lindfors, Bernth. 1999. "Conversations with Chinua Achebe." Jackson: University Press of Mississippi.
4. Quayson, Ato. 2007. "Aesthetic Nervousness: Disability and the Crisis of Representation." New York: Columbia University Press.
5. Uzukwu, E. Elochukwu. 2001. "African Spirituality: On Becoming Ancestors." Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books.
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