Analysis of a novel entitled ‘’ a man of the people”by chinua-achebe

ABOUT THE BOOK

The novel tells us on revolutionary activities of Odili Samalu who aimed to
overthrow the existing corrupt and irresponsible governance of Chief
Honourable M.A, Nanga.
Chapter summaries Chapter one
The story begins by Odili Samalu as the main character as well as the story
teller, telling us that Chief Nanga is called “a man of the people”. Chief
Nanga is going to visit Anata. Along with his village community, Odili
prepares for the arrival of Cultural Minister M.A. Nanga. Chief Nanga visits at
Anata Grammar School where Odili teaches at that time. Odili tells us that
people are ignorant because they can’t believe you while telling them that
Chief Nanga is a bad person. Background on his rise to power is introduced.
Upon his arrival, Nanga recognizes and remembers Odili as his former
student, praises him for completing university and invites him to come and
stay with him in the city; promising to speak to a member of his board in
order to get an admission of studying in the UK.
Chapter two
Background on Odili and Elsie, the girl he has ever “met and slept with in the
same day”. The two met in university. After Odili left the University, the two
were heartbroken and maintained contact by exchanging letters. Elsie began
working at a hospital. Odili explains that Nanga’s invitation is timed
perfectly, as he can visit Elsie and have a private room in the Minister’s
home. Odili also meets his friend Andrew who studied abroad with the help
of Chief Koko. Odili wants to study abroad but without anyone’s help. Odili
tells us that Chief Nanga will try to find him out from his cabinet and Odili will
get everything and stay to Chief Nanga’s guest room with everything
complete. Chief Nanga also praises himself that he is going to be given a
doctorate degree and be started called “Honourable Alhaji Doctor (LL. D)
Mongo Sego, MP”.
Chapter three
Before traveling to the capital (Bori), Odili decides to travel to his home
village, Urua. This journey aims to take back home, his house boy Peter and
visit his father, a district interpreter, a powerful and hated man with five
wives and 35 children. Odili’s mother died giving birth to him and there is
shame associated with this. Finally, Odili arrives in Bori at minister’s
residence, he is welcomed. The same day with Mr. Nanga, they go to Hon.
Simon Koko who handles education of abroad, but they don’t get a chance to
discuss the scholarship as Simon Koko starts complaining that he was
poisoned and was lamenting(grief,suffering) that he is dying. After the
conversation ends, they leave and go home where he learns that Nanga is
about to marry Edna and the leaders enrich themselves.
Chapter four
It is the next day after the arrival of Odili at Chief Nanga’s home. Odili seems
to be tired of the journey. Mrs. Nanga gets ready to leave with the children to
visit her village, which they do at least once a year. Then Mr. Nanga arrives
for lunch and at the same time Hon. T. C. Kobino phones him and they start
to discuss about road construction. Jean and John, an American couple, arrive
at the Minister’s house. Jean flirts shamelessly with Nanga.
Chapter five
This chapter begins with Jean and John inviting Chief Nanga and Odili to the
dinner. Mrs. Nanga has left home. Then John unfortunately, is told to be
present at the opening of cement factory to Abaka. Despite this, Jean
reminds us that the dinner will be as invitation directs. Soon enters a
beautiful woman whom Chief Nanga introduces as Barrister(a
lawyer,advocate) Mrs. Akilo. And as soon as Mrs. Akilo left, Chief Nanga and
Odili go to the International to attend the dinner. After the dinner party
ended, then Jean takes Odili to Chief Nanga’s house.
Chapter six
This chapter begins with Odili’s visit to the hospital to inform Elsie that the
other day he will go to meet her. The other day, in the morning, Odili takes
Nanga’s Cadillac and visits again Elsie. After finishing their conversation,
they go to the book exhibition and while on the way Chief Nanga and Elsie
say they do not know even the meaning of book exhibition. Mr. Nanga says
that he does not have even the speech of that day and Odili asks to prepare
for him and yet Chief Nanga refuses saying that the speech is not important.
In his speech, Chief Nanga criticizes Mr. Jalio’s clothes. He also fails to know
the names of newspaper writers despite being a minister of culture.
Chapter seven
The narrator tells us that Chief Nanga was born a politician and he is the
greatest orator. Being a great orator enables him to hide his evils and
misconduct. After the exhibition, they drive back home. Odili sits near Elsie
and they touch one another and after reaching Chief Nanga’s place, Odili and
Chief Nanga drink some whisky. Later on, Elsie sleeps with Chief Nanga. This
incidence makes Odili leave Chief Nanga’s house during the night and
manages to go to his friend Maxwell Kulamo who welcomes him.
Chapter eight
Odili plots revenge against Nanga. He joins the Common People’s Convention
(CPC) which includes Maxwell, his fiancéé Eunice and other intellectuals. The
party should be made of only professional men and therefore do not agree
the party to be called as Common People’s Convention and refer back to the
history of Carl Max and the greatest revolution which was not launched by
common people, but intellectuals. Also, they do not agree the party to be
understood as communist.
Chapter nine
Odili goes back to Anata and we hear the story of Josiah, the shopkeeper who
takes too much. Odili visits Mrs. Nanga and gets Edna’s location. The two
discuss Chief Nanga and his new wife, Edna. Odili intends to meet her in
order to warn her of Chief Nanga’s behaviour. Odili meets Edna’s
greedy(selfish desire) father-Odo. He says that Nanga has sent him to pay
visit there and know about Edna’s mother condition. He understands why
they have arranged for Edna to marry the Minister. Odili finds himself
stunned by Edna’s beauty and gives her a lift to the hospital but
unfortunately, on the way they get an accident. Edna scrapes(damage) her
knee and the food is spoilt and mixed with sand which leads Odili to take
some money and buy some bread and corned beef near the hospital for the
patient.

Chapter ten
Odili return to Mrs. Nanga’s home where Edna is going to spend Christmas
morning and helping Mrs. Nanga. While Edna serves Odili something to drink.
Odili starts giving advice Edna about not marrying Nanga. Details of major
corruption break out in the media concerning current government and Prime
Minister resigns. The CPC has been launched and Odili should run against
Nanga, which makes Mrs. Nanga sad. When Odili announces that he is going
to contest Chief Nanga’s seat everybody laughed except Josiah. Odili
composes a letter to Edna telling her she should not marry Chief Nanga.
After meeting Mrs. Nanga, Odili goes to the Anata Mission Hospital to see
Edna but unfortunately Odili does not her there. He decides to go to Edna’s
home although her father has forbidden him to set foot over the area. Odo
tells Odili to go but Odili refuses and Odo decides to call the people for him
to threaten. Odili says that he comes to persuade him and his family to
cast(throw aside) their paper for him on voting day”. Then Odo decides to
advice Odili and he tells him that his in law is like a bull and Odili’s challenge
is like the challenge of a stick to a bull”. Finally, Odili decides to go and Edna
rises to see Odili leaves the place.
Chapter eleven
Odili is in the way to home trying to think about his courage before Edna
and when he reaches home, he comes across the letter from Edna. She has
responded to Odili’s letter by thanking him for his advice and telling him that
she has no choice. Meanwhile, Odili begins assembling his security team to
protect him during the upcoming election. Later, Chief Nanga approaches
Odili and his father while the two are walking. Odili’s father reveals that he
has been asking the Chief for forgiveness on Odili’s behalf. It is revealed that
Chief Nanga has come to meet with Odili to bribe him to stay out of the
election. Chief Nanga tells Odili that Max has accepted the bribe. However,
Odili rejects Chief Nanga’s offer and vows to defeat the incumbent(imposed
on someone as an obligation) candidate.

Chapter twelve
The chapter begins as Odili discusses with his father on Chief Nanga’s denied
offer. The next day was the arrival of Max and the whole campaign team of
C.P.C party. Then, Odili’s father gave them chance to conduct their campaign
in his home place regardless his position to P.O.P. The campaign was
conducted fully with deliberately speeches from Max and Odili, then they
take the journey with the whole campaign team. In Anata, Odili decides to go
to see Edna. When Odili approaches her, she angrily dismisses him. When
the POP finds out that Odili’s father indirectly supported his son’s
campaigning, they remove him from his position as the local chairman of
P.O.P, nearly jail him and impose convenient overdue(too late to fulfill) taxes
against him. Odili’s home village loses their pipes for supporting him.
Chapter thirteen
In the beginning, the Crier(officer,who gives public notice) explains that
everyone must vote for Chief Nanga in the upcoming election. Later, Odili
decides to disguise(to hide one’s identity) himself and go to Chief Nanga’s
inaugural campaign meeting. While being there, Josiah alerts Chief Nanga
that Odili is among the crowd. In his process to escape, Odili is caught and
tortured by chief Nanga and his stalwarts(courageous) which leads to being
sent in hospital for further treatments. In hospital Odili is under arrest
because he has a case of possessing weapons found in his car, where by the
car was destroyed by Chief Nanga’s followers. Edna and Odili’s father have
been to his bedside. Odili learns the loss of the form to sign for election and
the death of Max in Abaga, where
by, Eunice has revenge to her boyfriend death by shooting Chief Koko on his
chest to death, and then she is imprisoned. At the chapter, Odili apologizes
to Edna for his hurtful words, but discovers that his second letter was
intercepted and never reached her. Astonished at his good fortune, Odili
begins arranging to marry Edna. In addition, Odili vows to have Eunice
released from jail and to dedicate a school to Max as a true “hero of the
revolution.”
General summary
The book is narrated by Odili, a young teacher in an unnamed African
country run by greedy and corrupt politicians. His own former teacher,
referred to as both “Mr. Nanga” and “Chief Nanga,” is now an elected official
and the Minister of Culture of the country. When Chief Nanga comes to visit
his home village, he and Odili meet again, and Chief Nanga invites Odili to
stay at his home in the capital city while the Chief makes arrangements to
help Odili study abroad. Despite his dislike for Chief Nanga’s politics and his
way of doing business, Odili is somewhat charmed by the man. He is also
attracted to a young woman, Edna, who travels with Chief Nanga and is
supposed to become the Chief’s second wife. Odili learns that Chief Nanga
lives in luxury as a result of his corrupt practices and knows very little about
culture, despite his position. Odili has had an affair with a young woman,
Elsie, whom he brings to Chief Nanga’s home with the intention of spending
the night with her. However, she sleeps with Chief Nanga instead. Chief
Nanga doesn’t understand why this makes Odili angry. Odili decides he will
take revenge on Chief Nanga by seducing Edna, the young woman the
official plans to marry. Odili becomes involved in a new political party that
seeks to replace the current ruling party. As he becomes more and more
opposed to Chief Nanga, Odili decides to run for office in an attempt to take
Chief Nanga’s position. The members of the new party believe they will
provide more effective, more honest government. However, Odili learns the
people of his country are quite cynical(motivated). They expect politicians
will take bribes and make them rich. In fact, many of the people Odili meets
are primarily interested in getting a share of the money gathered by corrupt
officials. Odili struggles with a number of moral decisions as he wages his
campaign, for example having to decide whether to take money as a
payment for withdrawing from the election. He tries to show the people the
present government is lying and stealing, but no one seems to care. In fact,
Odili is threatened and bullied as he tries to run his campaign, and his father
and his village are punished for his actions. Odili realizes he is genuinely in
love with Edna, and his desire for her is no longer just a result of his wish to
get revenge on Chief Nanga. Edna, however, feels obligated to marry the
Chief because he has given her family money and her father is pressuring
her. Odili decides to attend the event that launches Chief Nanga’s campaign,
where Odili is recognized and beaten nearly to death. During the weeks of
his recovery in the hospital, things change in Odili’s personal life and for the
entire country. Although Chief Nanga’s party wins the election, the aft
ermath is unrest(trouble) and chaos,(disorder) and ultimately the military
overthrows the government. Then the people of the country come forward
and talk about how terrible the former government was, despite their
support for the same elected officials when they were in power. Edna stands
by Odili through his recovery, and eventually his family makes arrangements
for Odili to marry her. Odili is sad to learn of the death of his friend Max, who
was killed by a former government official. Max is pronounced as a hero and
martyr, and a school is established in his memory.
SETTING
The setting of the book is in an unnamed African country during post-
independence in the 1960s. The author has used imaginary towns like Bori
and villages like Urua, Anata and Abaga. But what was happening in those
imaginative towns, cities and villages resemble the realities and life
experiences in most of African societies especially in Nigeria where the
author originated.
Characters And Characterization
Character is a being involved in the work of art either living or non-living
thing. The author used different types of characters.
Main characters
1. Odili Samalu
➢ He is a flat character
➢ He represents middle class people
➢ He is revolutionist
➢ He is a son of Hezekiah Samalu
➢ He is an activist
➢ He is the narrator of the story
➢ He is a teacher.
➢ He is the son of Hezekiah Samalu
➢ He was taught by Chief Nanga in standard three.
➢ His mother died during his birth
➢ He finds himself in conflict with Chief Nanga when Nanga sleeps with his
girlfriend, Elsie.
➢ He is one among the members who formed a new political party (CPC).
➢ He contests against Chief Nanga during election
➢ He is totally against corruption as he rejects the money Chief Nanga
wanted to give him.
➢ He plans to marry Edna as a reaction to Chief Nanga’s act of sleeping with
Elsie. At the end he marries Edna.
2. Chief Nanga
➢ He is known as Chief the honourable M.A Nanga
➢ He represents first class people
➢ He is a minister of culture:
➢ He is an irresponsible leader
➢ He is selfish
➢ He is a betrayer
➢ He is clever and cunning
➢ An upholder of western culture
➢ He is corrupt politician as he tries to bribe Odili, Max.
➢ He is a womanizer and sex-maniac
➢ He uses government money very roughly
➢ He was once a teacher and taught Odili in standard three.
Minor characters
3. Edna Odo
➢ She represents middle class
➢ She is Odo’s daughter
➢ She is educated
➢ she is a round character
➢ she is born in poor family, forced to marry chief Nanga since her
education is paid by Chief Nanga on the agreement that he will marry her.
➢ She represents girls who lose their freedom and surrender themselves to
men because of poverty.
➢ At the end, she is married to Odili after realizing that Chief Nanga was not
her right choice.
➢ She nurses Odili after being beaten by Chief Nanga’s thugs and being
admitted to hospital.
4. Hezekiah Samalu
➢ He represents middle class
➢ He is Odili’s father, a traditionist and a polygamist. He has five wives and
thirty children.
➢ He is a former district interpreter of colonialists
➢ He had revolutionary ideas
➢ He is ex-local chairman of P.O.P in Urua before being dismissed because of
allowing the C.P.C political party to launch their campaign at his home
grounds.
➢ He is a round character
➢ He is superstitious. He has medical charms placed at a crucial point in his
house.
➢ He represents very few African leaders who understand the meaning of
democracy.
➢ He is corrupt, he blames Odili for rejecting chief Nanga’s bribe.
5. Maxwell Kulamo
➢ He represents middle class
➢ He is lawyer
➢ He is Odilis’s friend and classmate
➢ He is an activist
➢ He was killed by Chief Koko’s stalwarts.
➢ He is the boyfriend of Eunice
➢ He convinces Odili to join a new political party (CPC).
➢ He is a revolutionary young man who is against injustice, corruption and
exploitation.
➢ He represents progressive intellectuals in independent African states.
➢ He was bribed by Chief Koko to surrender the constituency during the
campaign, Maxwell took the money and didn’t surrender.
➢ He is killed under the order of Chief Koko when he is dealing with the
smuggling of voting papersdone by Koko’s wife. He is declared a hero after
the revolution.
6. Eunice
➢ She represents middle class
➢ She is Max’s fiancée and a lawyer
➢ She has true love
➢ She revenges her fiancé’s death by shooting Chief Koko
➢ She is revolutionist
➢ She is one among the founder members of CPC
➢ She shoots Chief Koko as a revenge following Maxwell’s murder.
➢ She represents women who are able to bring changes if they are given
opportunity and when they dare.
➢ After killing Chief Koko, Eunice is arrested and jailed but she is freed from
jail after revolution
➢ She represents serious and hard-working women from whom other women
can learn and emulate.
7. Elsie
➢ She represents middle class
➢ She is a betrayer as she betrayed her fiancé Ralph and later betrayed Odili
➢ She is educated
➢ She is a nurse
➢ She is a trained nurse. She worked as a nurse in Bori.
➢ She causes Chief Nanga and Odili to conflict with each other
➢ She represents women/girls who are not faithful in relationship.
8. Chief Koko
➢ He represents first class
➢ He is a minister of overseas training, fat and cheerful man by appearance
➢ He is very brutal as he orders Maxwell to be killed and stops the arrest of
the driver who causes
the killing
➢ He is irresponsible
➢ He is a corrupt person as he bribes Maxwell in order to surrender the
constituency,(district represented) they were competing
➢ He is shot dead by Eunice as a revenge.

9. Dr. Makinde
He is the ex-minister of finance who get fired in the position after suggesting
on how to solve the problem of coffee price and not printing more money as
the prime minister suggests. He is then called a traitor and other bad names.
➢ He represents people who suffer because of standing for the truth and
professionalism.
➢ After his dismissal, both his house and car are destroyed
10. Mrs. Nanga:
➢ She is a minister of culture’s wife and a mother of three children
➢ She represents the African women who were denied the right to education
as she was selected to join secondary school but her parents denied and
married her to Chief Nanga
➢ She has no say over her husband’s behaviour of being a womanizer
➢ She is jealous of Edna whom her husband wants to marry
11. Josiah
➢ He is a trader at Anata
➢ He was considered as an exploiter and a superstitious by the villagers
when he steals Azoge’s walking stick.
➢ He is forced to leave the village by the angry villagers after stealing
Azoge’s stick.
➢ He is rejected by Odili to join C.P.C. 12. Others are Hon T.C Kobino (the
minister of public construction), Jean and John (advisors of the government),
Dogo (Chief Nanga stalwarts), Edmund, Boniface, Mama, Odo (Edna’s father).
THEMES
Theme refers to the main idea of the artist in the work of art. In the novel “A
man of the people”, the main ideas of the author on his work are the
following.
Revenge;
this refers to condition of hurting or harming someone in return. In the book,
Eunice did revenge by shooting Chief Koko in his chest who led to Max’s
death, her fiancée. Also, Odili Samalu had a revenge to Chief Nanga by
taking Edna from him as Chief Nanga seduced Elsie, Odili’s fiancée.
Corruption; this is the illegal use of public office or fund. In the novel, Chief
Nanga was portrayed by the author as a corrupt leader since he tried to
bribe Odili to step down from election. The author portrayed Chief Koko too
as a corrupt leader who bribed Maxwell Kulamo to step down from election.
Nanga sponsors Edna with the purpose of winning her. He also receives
bribes from British companies. He bribes James (journalist) so that he can
keep on writing things which are not true or not done. He is also rewarded a
bribe which he used to construct a four storey(etage) luxury flat.Boniface
tells Odili that they have bribed the police officers and court clerk to cancel
their case.
Betrayal, this simply refers to going against legal agreement. In the novel,
the author has shown that people are not faithful both in private and public
affairs as they betray their friends, relatives and the society. Politicians like
Chief Nanga betrayed his people by enriching himself while his people live
very poor life. Elsie betrays her boyfriend Ralph by making love with Odili.
Also, Elsie betrays Odili by sleeping with Chief Nanga. Chief Nanga betrays
his wife by sleeping with other girls/women. Jean betrays her husband (John)
by having love relationship with chief Nanga. Agnes betrayed her husband
(Mr. Akilo) by sleeping with Chief Nanga.
Ignorance:
Ignorance means lack of knowledge, understanding or education. People in
Anata are ignorant as they have failed to realize how corruption affects them
and the nation at large. Hezekiah Samalu who is a local chairman of POP is
not aware of what is going on in the party. Edna’s father fails to realize the
trick played by Chief Nanga. Josiah as a businessman believes in
superstition(belief,imiziririzo) as he steals Azoge’s walking stick believing
that he will succeed in his business.
Selfishness:
It is the act of having or showing concern only for yourself and not for the
needs of other people. In the novel, political leaders have been portrayed as
selfish persons. For example: during election when Urua people declare that
they will support Odili, Chief Nanga take away the water pipes. Also, chief
Nanga wants the roads that pass in his home village (Anata) to be tarred in
the village for next elections and the arrival of his buses.
Irresponsibility;
This refers to a condition in which someone is incapable of performing his or
her duties. In the novel, the author portrayed Chief Nanga as an irresponsible
leader as he fails even knowing names of few writers in the country despite
being a minister of culture. Also, Chief Nanga’s brother calling himself P.I.V,
portrays him as an irresponsible one because he complains on his brother
Chief Nanga who is V.I.P while he is drinking some beer without working
Hypocrisy;
this simply refers to the false appearance of someone, where he/she is
pretending in his or her acts. In the novel, most political leaders like chief
Nanga pretend to be good to their people while they are not good. Chief
Nanga was portrayed as the hypocrite when he tells Odili how he hates to be
a minister, and when he tells Odili that he wishes to be a teacher again
rather than being a minister. He is also hypocrite as he tries to be kind to
Odili and when he helps Edna and her family while his intention is to make
love with her.
Nepotism,
This means the favoring of relatives or personal friends because of their
relationship rather than their abilities. In the book, the situation was shown
by Chief Nanga when he tells Odili that he wastes his time at village and tells
him to go to the city and take a position in the civil service because who are
there are from the same village.
Brutality
This refers to the state of being not fair to others, always in form of violence.
Chief Nanga seemed to be brutal in the novel when he pushed Edna on the
dais, “…he pushed her so violently that she landed on her buttocks. Further,
Chief Koko was portrayed too as a brutal person when he led to Max’s death
in Abaga.
Poverty:
It is the state of being unable to get basic needs. In the novel, Azoge the
blind beggar earns his living by begging. Edna’s family lived in a very poor
life hence Edna sacrifices her body to Chief Nanga so that she can get
education. Edna’s father wants Edna to marry Nanga so that he could get
wealth. Odili’s sister lives in a two rooms house with her two children,
husband and sacks of maize and beans.
Embezzlement of public funds:
It refers to the act or situation of a person/few people waste or misuse
public fund for their own interests. In the novel, political leaders like Chief
Nanga misuse public funds. For example: Chief Nanga’s ministerial car is
used by Odili to Elsie’s hospital for selfinterest. Chief Nanga uses public fund
to educate his girlfriend (Edna), gives Agnes money in order to make love
with her, buy buses, and bribe Odili and so on. Chief Nanga also uses public
money to hire thugs and buy weapons to protect him during campaigning
and election.
Superstition,
This refers to a belief not based on human reason or scientific knowledge,
that future events may be influenced by one’s behavior in some magical
ways. In the book the situation was shown by Chief Nanga when he arrived
holding animal skin in which they believed it removes all evil designs. Also,
Odili’s father shows the superstition on the protective medicine located at
crucial point of the house.
Polygamy;
This refers to the condition of having more than one marriage at one time. In
the novel, Hezekiah Samalu had 5 wives and 35 children. He was portrayed
as a polygamist.
Hostility; This refers to a condition of being hostile among the two sides. In
the novel, Odili’s father had many enemies since he became an interpreter.
Further, hostility was between Odili and Chief Nanga; started as Chief Nanga
seduced Elsie, Odili’s fiancée.
Moral decay:
Being a corrupt leader proves the immorality of African leaders. Elsie is also
immoral as we do not expect an African lady to be like that. Chief Nanga is
immoral because as a leader who must be a modal in the society, is a
womanizer. Odili’s bodyguards are immoral as they plan to burn Chief
Nanga’s car.
Other themes
Include conflicts, irresponsibility, patriotism, protest,
disillusionment, sacrifice, troubles facing post-colonial African
society, etc.
MESSAGE OF THE BOOK
This refers to the learning we get from any literary work. The following are
the messages from the novel.
Restriction of ignorance is a step towards development. People of
Anata did not know that Chief Nanga was an enemy of the people as he used
his power to enrich himself and not others.
Irresponsibility leads to unprogressive society. Chief Nanga’s brother
calling himself a P.I.V, a poor innocent victim sits down and drink beers
without working, and still lamenting to his brother chief Nanga for his wealth.
Corruption is a great obstacle towards development in our societies.
For example, Odili Samalu was bribed to step out of in election, so the
development could not take place with the same irresponsible leader in the
country.
DICTION OF THE NOVEL
This refers to how an author employed and used the language (simple or
complex), literary techniques and figure of speech. *In the novel, “A man of
the people” an author used a simple and well understandable language to
the audience. *The author used Pidgin English in small extent to make
distinction to characters in the aspect of educational level. Characters with
lower level of education are using pidgin which is ungrammatical English as
in:
- “…why I go kill my master? –
“…I go go has kam if he wants see you.
- Wet in be your name?” *Standard English is used by educated people. *On
the other hand, American dialect has been used, as in:
- “But the same time we have gotten somewhere”
Literary techniques
Symbolism; this refers to the usage of persons and objects representing
concept, idea or a thing.
- Chief Nanga symbolizes selfish persons and irresponsible leaders
.- Cadillac, gold chains: symbolize wealth
- Guns and gunpowder: symbolize power and intimidation
- Money: symbolizes wealth and influence
- Azoge’s walking stick: symbolizes small remained resources or
properties of the poor people swhich is stolen or exploited by the rich one
- Azoge, the blind beggar: symbolizes poor people who do not see or
want to know reasons for their poverty.
- Odili’s marriage with Edna: represents victory of good against evil
- Maxwell’s death: represents the beginning of liberation
- Love between Chief Nanga and Elsie: symbolizes immoral behavior
- The refusal of the villagers to buy things in Josiah’s shop:
symbolizes unity.
- The journey to the hospital on a bicycle stands for struggle.
Repetition;
This refers to the repeating of the same word or phrase frequently for more
emphasis. Ex: “…sir, sir, sir…”, “…hear! Hear!” “…no, no, no, I said…
Hyperbole:
It is an exaggeration to express strong emotions or create a comic effect.
Ex: The crowd raised a deafening shout of welcome. It is a mammoth crowd
the whole town would come to admire it.
Simile:
It is the comparison between two unlike things by using connective words
such as like, as, as …… as, resembles, as if.
Examples:
- “…he looked as bright as new shilling…”
- “…blows were falling as fast as rain…”,
- “…her back was as perfect as her front…”
- “…a sadness deep and cool like a well…”
- You are eating hills like yam.
- Cool like a well.
- Two looking as fresh as a newly hatched chick.
- He shouted at me like a mad dog.
- Some people’s belly is like the earth.
- Giving things to him was like pouring a little water into a dried up well.
Metaphors:
It is a comparison between two unlike things without using connective words
such as like, resembles, as, as…as.
Examples:
- He has become an earthworm.
- The coming election would be a life and death fight.
- Big guns (people with political power)
Ellipses;
This refers to the omission of grammatical words in a sentence or phrase.
Ex: “…you didn’t tell me, Mr.…er…” “…a brilliant song called…erm…what is
it called again?”
Personification;
This refers to a figure of speech in which an animal or inanimate object is
given human qualities. Ex: “…if alligator comes out of the water one morning
and tells you that, crocodile is sick …” “…what one dog says to another…”
Imagery: It is the use of words to bring a picture of a certain events that
take place in the novel.
Examples
- The artistic descriptions of Chief Nanga’s house with seven self-contained
rooms, water closets each, private doors, the gate, double beds, beautiful
furniture, gleaming bathrooms, etc creates an image of wealth obtained
through abuse of power.
- Description of the ministerial vehicle that is long, American car called
Cadillac very comfortable inside, with ministerial flag
- When the writer describes the Odo’s house made of a red earth and
thatched roof to give an image of poverty and shows how most of Africans
live poor life.
- Also, the artistic description of Josiah’s evil/action towards Azoge by an old
woman.
- “…he has now an ice cream eating permanent secretary…” an ice cream is
an imagery representing the national wealth. Irony: It is the use of words
that mean the opposite of what you really think especially in order to create
a humorous effect.
Ex: -The meaning of the title is opposite that is Chief Nanga is not a man of
the people but an enemy.
- When Nanga says: “teaching is a very noble profession. Here he meant
otherwise
- When Chief Nanga tells odili that “if someone wants to make you a minister
run away” He meant the opposite.
- When Chief Nanga calls Odili his friend, he meant its opposite.
- “I can swear to God that I am not as happy as when I was a teacher”.
Rhetorical questions; these are questions in which an asker does not
expect an answer. Ex:” …why should you? Do I know book? Am I not of the
Old Testament?”

Vulgarism;
This refers to the use of the word or term that is considered offensive or
distasteful.
Ex: Jean says “…sex means much more to a woman than to a man, it takes
place inside her. The man uses a mere projection of himself…”
Satire: It is the way of using humour to show that someone or something is
foolish, weak or bad.
Examples:
- When Chief Nanga admits that he does not know the meaning of book
exhibition, as in: “Book exhibition?
- When Chief Nanga tells Odili that he can bring him six girls and Odili will
have sex with them till he gets tired, as in: “If you like can bring you six girls
this evening”
- When Odili rides a bicycle (with Edna) and fail to breathe properly so when
he is told something
he puffs out the question, why? - When Chief Nanga says Julio has composed
a song instead of a book, as in: “I believe Mr. Julio himself has composed a
brilliant song called…erm… what is it called again?”
- When Chief Koko discovers that the coffee was not poisonous and Chief
Nanga starts teasing him, as in: “But S.I you fear death…”
Proverbs/Sayings: a proverb is a brief saying that gives advice about how
people should live or that express a belief that is generally thought to be
true.
Examples:
- A traveler to distant places should not cultivate enmity on his route.
- Do the right and shame the devil.
- It does not matter what you know but who you know.
- A mad man may speak a true word.

- The inquisitive eyes will only blind its own sight.

- “…better the water is spilled than the pot is broken...”
N.B: Proverbs help to add color to literary works and also clarify certain
ideas depending on the situation.
Idioms: an idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the
meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own.
Idioms add flavour for the readers to enjoy reading the book.
Examples:
- Kick the bucket (die).
- To put a cat among pigeons (to destroy one’s success)
- The treatment costs me water and fire (it costs a lot of money)
- Teachers were dead from neck up (they were in very bad economic
situation)
- To lick big man’s boot (to respect someone in power in order to get
something from him or her)
PLOT OF THE NOVEL
Plot refers to the flow of events in a literary work. The author arranged the
events into 13 chaptersin his book. Chinua Achebe used chronological order
at large extent and flashback in some extent.
Linear plot
This refers to the kind of plot in which the events are arranged from the
beginning to the end (chronological order). In the novel, the story starts at
Anata Grammar School where Odili works as a teacher and Chief Nanga visits
the school. Then Odili is taken to Bori at Chief Nanga’s house where he
stayed for several days, then to Maxwell’s house where he started to involve
in politics, national election and the overthrow of the government by the
army and imprisonment of all corrupt and irresponsible leaders of the corrupt
government overthrown.
Flashback
It refers to the kind of plot in which the past events are inserted to the
present events. In the book, the author used flashback when Odili tells the
past life of Chief Nanga when he was a teacher sixteen years ago. There is a
flashback while Odili tells his story when he was in Giligili as a houseboy in a
certain house. The author has also employed flashback when he gives us the
background of Odili’s father.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing has also been used especially when the narrator hints just at
the beginning of the story that it would be impossible to make the people
who were praising Chief Nanga believe that the man was ruining the nation
by enriching himself. Chief Nanga’s interrogation indicates that he has taken
an interest in Odili’s girlfriend. Their ensuing discussion about Elsie
foreshadows the climactic conflict between these two characters. Another
instance of foreshadowing occurs when Odili discusses the danger of political
involvement and begins to fear for his own safety. Finally, Chief Nanga’s
attempt to bribe Odili out of the election indicates that the Chief will
undertake drastic measures to eliminate his competitors. Foreshadowing
creates a shock and suspense as it starts showing the truth even before the
truth is revealed.
Protagonist and antagonist
The protagonist of the story is the narrator, Odili Samalu, and the antagonist
is Chief M.A. Nanga.
Major conflict
Odili seeks revenge on Chief Nanga by pursuing his fiancée and contesting
his cabinet seat.
Climax
When Odili's girlfriend, Elsie, visits Chief Nanga's mansion, the Minister
seduces her. This prompts the narrator to seek revenge.
STYLE OF THE NOVEL
Style refers to the manner an artist used to present his work. The author of
the novel “A man of the people” employed the use of several styles as
follows; Chinua Achebe presented his work by narrative form in large extent,
and dialogue form in small extent.
Example: Dialogue between Odili and the father of his friend.
A dialogue between stalwarts and Odili. The author has narrated the story
using the first-person point of view that the narrator is also a main character
taking part in various sections. The story is narrated by Odili, a young
teacher who is an idealistic intellectual. By using Odili’s point of view,
Achebe is able to take the reader along on Odili’s journey of learning the full
extent of corruption in his country. He is also able to show Odili’s blind spots
and weaknesses, such as his pride, by describing Odili’s perceptions. There
are limitations to the first-person narration, primarily the limited amount of
information given to the reader about the thoughts and feelings of other
characters in the novel.
Chinua Achebe has also used poems in the novel, as in: “It is the time
to spread the news abroad that we are well prepared …” (pg. 22) the
author has also used songs in page122, as in:” (pg. 122)
Not only that but also there is the use of letters. The author
employed the use of notice in the novel. Also, the use of biblical
language (Matthew 2:18) as in: “A voice was heard in Ramah Weeping
and great limitation Rachel weeping for her children…”

TONE
The tone of the story is impassioned, pensive, and critical. The mood is
frustrated and restless.
MOTIF
Education
Throughout the story, Odili consistently comments on education and its
significance in his life. For Odili, receiving a top-tier education distinguishes
him from his peers and provides him with the opportunity for social mobility.
Language
While Odili narrates the story in British English, the novel also features
excerpts in Pidgin English. Additionally, characters such as Mrs. Nanga speak
in an unidentified African language. Each language bears significance. For
example, British English predicates a certain sense of formality and level of
education. Pidgin English, on the contrary, is most often spoken by domestic
workers.
Cars
the motif of cars appears throughout A Man of the People. Cars signify social
status and economic success.
GENRE
Satire
N. CONTEXT
A Man of the People and 1960s Nigeria
While Chinua Achebe's larger body of work is a direct political commentary
on Nigeria; A Man of the People is set in an unnamed African country in order
to make a broader comment on the post-colonial struggles across the
continent. A Man of the People is a satire, and understanding the political
climate of Nigeria in the 1960s is essential to the novel's greater meaning. In
1960, Nigeria was freed from colonial influence and ruled under Prime
Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. During his reign, workers in rural regions
began to notice the large differences between their village lifestyles and the
lifestyles of the politicians in Lagos. This resulted in a nationwide strike in
June 1964. During the national elections in 1964, many dissenters of the
political regime were murdered for their beliefs. Additionally, there was
global concern and pressure due to Europe's continual economic stake in
African resources. This mounting pressure culminated in the military coup
d'état in January 1966. A Man of the People was published just a few days
before the coup. For this reason, Achebe's novel has been considered
"prophetic." Given this contextualization, Achebe can be recognized as crafty
observer of his nation's political situation. He speaks to the importance of
artists and intellectuals during times of political unrest. Achebe was able to
see the patterns and systematic abuses of power and formulate a poignant
and prescient commentary.
RELEVANCE OF THE BOOK
The book is very relevant to our current societies, because all things which
are discussed within the book, are those found in our current societies
especially in African countries. For example, the issueof corruption discussed
by the author by using Chief Nanga who tries to bribe Odili by giving him a
certain amount of money but Odili rejected. So even in our societies, the
issue of corruption is the big problem because higher leaders tend to
practise corruption. So, this book is very relevant to our societies.
RELEVANCE OF THE TITLE
The title of the book “A Man of The People” is ironic which is not relevant to
the content of the book. We expect to see good issues which support what
the title suggests but it is contrary and different because what are expressed
in the content of the book are the evils done by a person whom people tends
to call him as “ a man of the people” but in fact the person do not deserve to
be called so. The author criticizes the people in power who are corrupt. Chief
Nanga on whom the title of this novel is based on is among corrupt and
selfish leaders. Chief Nanga does not deserve to be called a man of the
people. He deserves to be called an enemy of the people due to his
behaviors. The title of this novel should be given to people like Odili and
Maxwell who fight for the people’s rights.

ANALYSIS OF THE NOVEL

Chinua Achebe’s novel, “A Man of The People”, is a book of political, social,
economic and moral contrasts. The book was written in first person, and
invites readers to experience the flow of emotions, fears, tensions, suspense
and the pain that Odili, the main character in the book, undergoes. At the
center of the plot is the conflict between Chief Nanga, a politician and a
Minister of Culture and Odili Samalu, a teacher, and a former pupil of the
Minister. Their differences at many levels; culture, lifestyle, politics are
symbolic of the generational divide between the young (represented by
Odili) and the old (represented by Nanga). Chief Nanga invites Odili over to
his place. It is here that Odili has a deep soul searching on how the
politicians in this society enrich themselves through corruption and engage
in other forms of moral decadence without second thought. Elsie, Odili’s
girlfriend, is so excited by the immense affluence of Chief Nanga that she
ends up sleeping with him. On learning that Elsie has slept with Chief Nanga,
Odili is worked up. Ignoring the Minister’s attempts to appease him with
promises to get him other women to sleep with, Odili resolves to seek
revenge by all means. So, Odili casts the first stone by expressing interest in
Chief Nanga’s seat, and is set to run against him during the elections. He is
also determined to woo Edna, Chief Nanga’s wife-in-waiting. For one who
lacks the might and the financial muscle to engage in the murky water that
is politics, Odili’s bid to struggle politically with Chief Nanga, can only be
compared to the desperate search of a needle in the darkness. Chief Nanga
knows well the dirty tricks that characterize politics and he holds nothing
back in his fight to take care of Odili. Chief Nanga defeats the young
pretender and secures another term in office. Poor Odili pays a huge price for
his troubles. Not only is he brutally beaten up by Chief Nanga’s
stalwarts/followers, Maxwell Kulamo, his lawyer friend is killed by his rival
Chief Koko, only for Maxwell’s girlfriend to avenge his death by killing Chief
Koko. A military coup occurs, and this marks the death of Chief Nanga’s
political career. Odili finally secures Edna’s hand in marriage. This satirical,
humorous and melancholic novel will enthrall/catch/captivate and excite the
reader to its end. Apart from the clever spin of political satire therein, the
book has deep sexual overtones. In many respects, “A Man of the People” is
a true sketch of life and politics in many African countries
Position and role of women
This is how an author portrays women in his work of art resembling the real
life of women in our societies. In the novel of “A man of the people”, an
author has portrayed women in different perceptions as follows

a. Woman as a weak, humiliated and oppressed person

Example: Mrs. Nanga was easily forced to end education and marry Chief
Nanga. She is also humiliated and oppressed by her husband, Chief Nanga.
She has no say over her husband’s behaviour of being a womanizer. Elsie,
Jean and Agnes are portrayed as weak since they are easily convinced to
make love with Chief Nanga and fail to resist against him.
b. Woman as a prostitute.
In this novel, women have been portrayed as prostitutes especially through
Elsie, Jean and Agnes. For example: In spite of the fact that Elsie has a
fiancée, Ralph, she makes love with other men like Chief Nanga and Odili.
c. Woman as an upholder of traditional values and customs.
Mrs. Nanga takes her children to their home land, Anata, at least once a
year, so that they could not forget their traditional values.
d. Woman as an intelligent and educated person.
Elsie is a trained nurse, Eunice is a lawyer and a member of CPC, and Agnes
is also educated and a lawyer.
e. Woman as an unfaithful person.
For example, Agnes is unfaithful to her husband, Akilo. Elsie is unfaithful to
her fiancée, Ralph. Jean is also unfaithful to her husband, John.
f. Woman as a generous person.
Edna is very kind to Odili as when Odili is beaten up by Chief Nanga’s thugs
and admitted to the hospital, she shows sympathy and nurses him.
g. Woman as a person with good advice.
Example: When Odili has a quarrel against his father when he plans to marry
the fifth wife, Mama, the first wife of Hezekiah, advised Odili to ask
forgiveness from his father.
h. Woman as a courageous and revolutionist person who can take
part in a struggle
against evils.
For example, the author portrays Eunice as a revolutionist, as she performs
the anti-governmental activities. Also, Eunice kills Chief Koko as revenge to
her fiancée, Maxwell’s assassination.
i. Woman as a family caregiver
In the novel, the first Hezekiah’s wife called mama was responsible for caring
of the whole family,“…my first father’s wife, whom we all call mama brought
me up like one of his own children.

Related examinable questions

1. Discuss the three (3) major themes depicted in the novel A
Man of the People
Answer: Suffering: there is a lot of inflation. In four years, the price of
everything has more than doubled, including gun powder since
independence.
Teachers are very poorly paid, in the city beggars sleep under the caves of
luxurious apartment stores.
Mrs. Nanga was forced out secondary school to marry Nanga.
Money and corruption: money is a prerequisite to power and Micah Nanga
was used as the symbol of corruption. He was a man of the people because
he had money so even though the people completely knew him as a
fraudulent man, they continued to worship him. In the story, and money
holds women, people and choices.
To give further justifications: in the first phase of the story, people were
simply celebrating upon the anticipated arrival of the most approachable
politician and who was known to be the man of the people. The people knew
Nanga had money so it was easy to pretend since money can simply put
anyone who stands in Nanga way (as it is the case of Max) when Nanga was
talking on the phone to T.C Kobino and was presumed by Odili to the Minister
of Public Construction, Nanga was telling him about the tarring of the road
which involves money and he will not be able to tell T.C Kobino. Money
controls even the Press, the Media and in this case Nanga was definite about
how money is able to make his name more appealing to the public.
Edna was forced to marry Nanga because of money and because her father
Oda insists her son Nanga had money and that is exactly Odo needed to him.
He needed money to satisfy his personal desires and that is what made him
want Nanga for Edna.
Maxwell Kulamo a lawyer who aims at fighting the ongoing fraudulent
system is that he accepted money from Nanga’s party. He resulted to bribery
so that his party would be able to pay for minibus.
Micah Nanga was used as a symbol of corruption.
Betrayal: the government betrays the people by not dealing with the issues
at hand.The western educated ministers are fired, they are regarded as the
Miscreant Gangs.
Hezekiah Samaulu would get different gifts ranging from goats, cheap,
chicken and wine to earn his favour.
Nanga snatches Elsie from Odili. Mrs Nanga is betrayed by her sex sex
maniac husband.He really treats her with respect and loves keeping her in
the village so that he can get space for to sleep with other women.
Other than saving Odili whom he is beaten up by the mob, the policeman
simply turns around and walk away.
Chief Koko runs over Maxwell using his jeep.
Revenge: after realizing that Chief Koko is the one who killed her boyfriend
Maxwell Eunice kills him by shooting him three bullets in his chest.
Other themes are:
 Neo-colonialism
 Immorality
 Culture
 Exploitation
 Poverty
  Disillusionment
2. Read the following below extract from the novel “A man of the
people” by CHINUA ACHEBE and then, respond questions
related to it.
That afternoon he was due to address the staff and students of Anata
Grammar school where I was teaching at the time. But as usual at those
highly political times the villagers moved in and virtually took over. The
assembly hall must have carried well over thrice its capacity. Many villagers
sat on the floor, right up to the foot of the dais. I took one look and decided it
was just as well we had to stay outside-at least for the moment. Five or six
dancing groups were performing at different points in the compound. The
popular ‘Ego Women’s Party’ wore a new uniform of expensive accra clothes.
In spite of the din you could still hear as clear as a bird the high-powered
voice of their soloist, whom they admiringly nicknamed grammar-phone”.
Personally, I don’t care too much for our women’s dancing but you just had
to listen whenever Grammar-phone sang. She was now praising Micah’s
handsomeness, which she liked to the perfect, sculpted beauty of carved
eagle, and his popularity which would be the envy of the proverbial traveler-
to-distant-places who must not cultivate enmity on his route. Micah was of
course Chief the honorable M.A. Nanga, M.P. The arrival of the members of
the hunters’ guild in full regalia caused a great stir. Even Grammar-phone
stopped- at least for a while. These people never came out except at the
funeral of one of their number, or during some very special and outstanding
event. I could not remember when I last saw them. They wielded their loaded
guns as though they were playthings. Now and again, two of them would
meet in warriors’ salute and knock the barrel of their guns together from left
to right and again from right to left. Mothers grabbed their children and
hurriedly dragged them away. Occasionally a hunter would take aim at a
distant palm branch and break its mid-rib. The crowd applauded. But there
were very few such shots. Most of the hunters reserved their precious
powder to greet the Minister’s arrival-the price of gunpowder like everything
else having doubled again and again in the four years since this government
took control.
As I stood in one corner of that vast tumult waiting for the arrival of the
minister I felt intense bitterness welling up in my mouth. Here were silly,
ignorant villagers dancing themselves lame and waiting to blow off their
gunpowder in honor of one of those who had started the country off down
the slopes of inflation. I wished for a miracle, for a voice of thunder, to hush
this ridiculous festival and tell the poor contemptible people one or two
truths. But of course, it would be quite useless. They were not only ignorant
but cynical. Tell them that this man had used his position to enrich himself
and they would ask you -as my father did-if you thought that a sensible man
would spit out the juicy morsel that good fortune placed in his mouth.

Questions:
a) In not more than five lines, and in your own words, summarize
this extract. (5 marks)
 (In his own words, a student summarizes the story, in not more than
five lines)
b) Who do you think is the narrator? Why? (4 marks)
 The narrator is Odili. He was a teacher in the village, at Anatha
Grammar school.
c) Describe the setting in the extract. (5 marks)
 The setting is Anata village, where Chief Honorable Nanga was born.
Anata Grammar school, it is where Chief Nanga used to teach.
d) With evidence from the story, explain why the soloist is called
Grammar-phone. (2 marks)
 still hear as clear as a bird the high-powered voice of their soloist,
whom they admiringly nicknamed grammar-phone”
e) “Tell them that this man had used his position to enrich
himself …..” What does the sentence reveal about the
 character of the minister? Explain it deeply with the evidence
from the story. (6 marks)
 This sentence reveals that the minister is corrupt. Using his title, he
gets a lot of money from the people.
e) Point out at least one literary device used in the extract? (2
marks)
 Personification: had to listen whenever Grammar-phone sang
Simile: Most of the hunters reserved their precious powder to greet
the Minister’s arrival-the price of gunpowder like everything else
having doubled
f) In which period of African literary tradition can you classify
this novel? Why? (6 marks)
The novel is classified in post-colonial African literary tradition; because it
reflects African leadership, after the colonization. They talk about schools
and scholarship which were brought by Whiteman
3. Discuss the theme of “Money and Corruption” depicted in the
Novel “A man of the people”
Corruption: money is a prerequisite to power and Micah Nanga was used as
the symbol of corruption. He was a man of the people because he had
money so even though the people completely knew him as a fraudulent man,
they continued to worship him. In the story, money holds women, people and
choices. To give further justifications: in the first phase of the story, people
were simply celebrating upon the anticipated arrival of chief Micah Nanga,
the most approachable politician and who was known to be a man of the
people. The people knew Nanga had money so it was easy to pretend since
money can simply put anyone who stands in Nanga’s way (as it is in the case
of Max) when Nanga was talking on the phone to T.C Kobino and was
presumed by Odili to be the minister of public construction, Nanga was
telling him about the tarring of the road which involves money and he will
not be able to tell TC. Money controls even the press, the media and in this
case, Nanga was definite about how money is able to make his name more
appealing to the public.

Edna was supposed to marry Nanga because of money, and because her
father Odo insist her so. Nanga had money, and that is exactly what exactly
Odo needed to himself. He needed money to suffice his personal desires, and
that’s what made him want Nanga for Edna.
Maxwell Kulamo, a lawyer who aims to fight the ongoing fraudulent system
is that he accepted money from Nanga’s party. He resulted to bribery so that
his party would be able to pay for minibus.
Micah Nanga was used as the symbol of corruption.