Chinua Achebe: Champion of African Literature and Cultural Identity
Table of Contents
Early Years and Literary Influences Chinua Achebe was born on November 16, 1930, in Igbo town, Nigeria, to Isaiah Okafo Achebe and Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam. Growing up in a family that valued storytelling and literature, Achebe's mother and sister nourished his interest in literature by sharing stories. His father's extensive literary collection, including works by Shakespeare, played a significant role in his intellectual development. Educational Journey and Literary Awakening With his family's support, Achebe received formal education and attended the Government College in Nigeria. Despite initially studying medicine at the University of Ibadan, Achebe's passion for literature led him to switch his focus. Under the guidance of his teacher Gilbert Phelps, a noted literary critic, Achebe's creativity blossomed. He began contributing essays and stories to various publications, showcasing his literary prowess. Marriage and Personal Challenges In 1961, Achebe married Chr…