The embedded personal history of an author within literary works is able to influence greater understanding of social context, as well as promote the reliability of the piece. As well, the purpose of the text is often linked to the author’s biography. Such as in Achebe’s case, he aimed to demonstrate that Europe did not bring “civilization” to “savages”. The author’s sense of biography is often reflected in the setting and characters of a novel; such as by representing ideas of religion, cultural surroundings, moral values, etc. Further, the reader is given a realistic sense of dialect, culture and political systems relevant to context. To understand context, it is crucial that the author’s personal history is examined in order to acknowledge the specific aspects which are being related to and expressed throughout the plot. As such, Achebe’s standing within two greater histories is able to create a rich piece of fiction, and is able to provide non-fictional perspectives of these historically significant events. Achebe himself expressed Christian and Igbo values, which combines the opposing forces expressed in the novel, allowing him to include two viewpoints to the text.
Achebe’s inclusion of both the natural religion of the Igbo society and the modern faith of Christianity are almost equally represented through positive and negative connotations. However, he maintains reader sympathy towards the Igbo, as they are under presented as a whole within this history. This may be a result of Achebe’s personal bias towards both perspectives (as he was apart of Igbo heritage, but was as well a proud Christian), therefore not wanting to showcase one as highly significant over the other. Although as expressed by Achebe, he had found the old religion of greater interest, thus his elaborate exploration into the inner-workings of this faith within the novel. As Achebe grew up enforced with Christian belief, he was told of how the belief came to be within his land (allowing him to present the minority side to a significant historical event). This further upbringing endorsed in religion inspired characters within the novel; such as Mr. Brown representing the qualities of his missionary mentor G. T. Basden. Specific events within the plot were as well inspired by his personal religion, as the execution of Ikemefuna reflected the biblical story of Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac. Further parallels between the plot and the New Testament are included, which then are forced to balance out with the existing Igbo beliefs. Through the novel the reader is consequently exposed to the dis-equilibrium between the contrasting religions, which may be a representative of the author’s inner conflict between his Igbo heritage and western faith.
By acknowledging the connection between Achebe’s biography and context of the novel, it may help further prove the purpose of the text. Such as, as stated earlier, his overall purpose was to demonstrate how the European’s did not bring “civilization” to “savages”, as western media has so often claimed. Rather, he demonstrates the tranquil reality of the complex society, which was rather disturbed than ‘fixed’ upon arrival of the missionaries. His personal relation between the combined histories allows for further understanding on behalf of the audience on character behavior and societal traditions. Without the acknowledgment of the author’s personal stance, these significant historical ideas would just come off as ordinary fictional remarks. The meaning of literature is enhanced through understanding an author’s points and purpose. Such as, the significance of Achebe’s personal legend within Things Fall Apart adds to the importance of the his relation to context.
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