Mr. Iwegbu counted himself extra-ordinarily lucky. ‘Happy survival!’ meant so much more to him than just a current fashion of greeting fellow teachers in the first hazy days of a return to school. It went deep to his heart. He had come out of the summer with five inestimable blessings–his sanity, his wife Maria’s sanity and the sanity of three out of their four children. As a bonus he also had great “Civil Peace” lesson plans–a miracle too because who writes “Civil Peace” lesson plans in the summer?
Well, I do. And here it is: Irony in Civil Peace Lesson Plan.
You can, of course, download the lesson plan, make copies of the “Civil Peace” lesson plan handout, and go about your merry way. That’s why you ended up here, I’m guessing. If you need a refresher on the story, check out the “Civil Peace” summary and analysis as well. Check out the links at the end for the text, audio, and historical background.
“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe Summary
Jonathan Igwebu returns home from the Nigerian Civil War. Jonathan remains optimistic. His optimism leads to industriousness and Jonathan starts several businesses to earn money. He collects 20 pounds from exchanging a no longer used currency.
That night a group of ruffians come to his house and threaten Jonathan and his family. They demand 100 pounds or they’ll break in and hurt him. Jonathan lies/negotiates and swears all he has is the 20 pounds given to him that day. He hands over the money and the group of thieves leave.
Despite being robbed, the next morning Jonathan remains optimistic, stating he didn’t need the money.
“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe Analysis
The complete unit plan for “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe can be found here.
Here are a few things you may wish to discuss before/during/after reading.
- Irony. There’s a lot going on in Jonathan’s world that would lead a normal person to lose hope. Jonathan, however, remains optimistic and positive.
- Conflict. The story’s over-arching conflict is the just ended Civil War. It is not, however, the story’s primary conflict. There is a conflict between Jonathan and the thieves. It is not, however, the story’s primary conflict. The primary conflict in the story involves the individual vs. society; that is, how does Jonathan react to the complete breakdown of his world. Jonathan is perhaps the only character in the history of literature who wins the individual vs. society conflict. And he does it, in all places, a lawless post-civil war Nigeria.
- Character Analysis. What motivates a person like Jonathan? I’ll be honest. I found this character to be incredibly inspirational. He becomes a success story, not because of luck—although he’s had some. He becomes successful through optimism and hard work. His optimism is the root of his hard work.
- Plot. The story’s climax occurs with the arrival of the thieves. Everything leading up to their arrival makes Jonathan’s reaction consistent with his character.
- Setting. The aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War serves as a backdrop to the Civil Peace that Jonathan and his family must endure.
- Pun. Speaking of Civil Peace, this serves as a pun on Civil War. It’s also ironic…or is it. Although life does not seem peaceful in his village—thieves and marauders abound—Jonathan’s inner life offers him peace.
- Narrative Writing. I wonder what other people think about the situation?
- Nigeria. Civil Wars and ethnic wars have plagued many African nations since Europeans divided Africa without consideration of ethnic divisions. Nigeria, for example, is made up of more than 250 ethnicities.
“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe Resources
Check out this lesson plan for Dead Man’s Path. Click the pic to see the entire unit.
If you’re interested in other stories by Chinua Achebe, I recommend Dead Man’s Path. I have lesson plans for that, too.
I couldn’t find a movie based on the short story, which is unfortunate because I think it would make a really good movie and bring to light the difficult conditions in this part of the world.
- “Civil Peace” text
- “Civil Peace” audio book
- This Day in History: Civil War Breaks Out in Nigeria
- Explanation of the Nigerian Civil War
- A Shorter Explanation
Last Updated on August 3, 2020 by Trenton Lorcher
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