"The Novelist as Teacher" explores the role of the writer and African writer. European and African writers are different. The European writer with a beard and strange clothes tries to attract readers. He's minor. Achebe has different concerns. He says it's a writer's job to complete society's tasks. A writer isn't a parasite. He should teach people in the dark.
Achebe discusses student and teacher expectations. Baba Yero Mafindi praised his novels. Achebe's books teach kids. Another wrote that Achebe's books would be useful if he added exam answers. He wants a guide for Achebe's "Things Fall Apart." A teacher wanted Achebe to write about young men who resist parental pressure and marry their own choice. Teacher dislikes Achebe's book. The young man in this novel gives in to his father's wishes and leaves his lover. The teacher misses Achebe's realism.
Achebe says a writer shouldn't be an audience slave. He needs a personal vision. A Nigerian journalist criticises "soulless industrialisation" Realist Achebe is. He's cliché-free. He says Africa's development requires efficiency.
Change is life, says Achebe. Flux and reflux happen. Maypole dance was an African woman's only outlet. Schoolgirls now dance western dances at festivals. Historically, women carried water in earthen pots. It's gone. Metalware is used.
Achebe resists change. Westernization has made Africans disrespect their culture. Black boy avoids writing about harmattan but loves winter. He sees beauty in palm trees and harmattan. Achebe supports African democracy and socialism. They restore Africa's glory. Achebe supports Ezekiel and William Abraham. Achebe hopes for Africa's culture.
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