essay on civil peace

Civil Peace

by Chinua Achebe

Civil peace summary and analysis of "civil peace".

The narrator introduces us to Jonathan Iwegbu , a man who considers himself very lucky after having survived the Nigerian Civil War, which has just ended. Not only has most of his family - his wife ( Maria Iwegbu ), and three of the four children - survived with him, but he has even managed to hold on to his old bicycle. Because of his luck, he embraces the way his neighbors now greet one another: "Happy Survival!"

Though he knows his bike is nowhere as valuable as his family is, keeping it was also a "miracle" of its own. He almost lost the bike during the war, when an army officer dressed in rags attempted to commandeer it. Sensing a “certain lack of grip and firmness in his manner,” Jonathan guessed that the officer might accept a bribe in exchange for the bike. After the army officer complied, Jonathan buried the bicycle for safe-keeping, in the same clearing where his son and other casualties from the camp were interred.

After the war, he retrieves it, still in good condition. Feeling blessed with this good luck, he muses, “Nothing puzzles God.” He returns to this sentiment time and again when contemplating his good fortune.

Using the bike to start a taxi service, he soon accumulates a “small fortune", which funds his return to his hometown, Enugu. There, he encounters another minor miracle: his house is still standing. Though it is small and hand-constructed from zinc, wood, and cardboard, it has survived relatively unscathed whereas most of the surrounding bigger buildings have been destroyed. Having returned so early, most of the wreckage is untouched. He collects what he needs to repair the house, and then hires a poor carpenter for the labor.

Soon enough, he moves his family back home, and they return to work. His children pick mangoes to sell to soldiers’ wives, while Maria makes breakfast cakes to sell to the neighbors. Jonathan himself opens a palm-wine bar for soldiers and other people with money. He occasionally visits the Coal Corporation, where he had worked before the war, but it shows no signs of reopening.

After days standing in line to turn in his rebel currency, Jonathan receives 20 pounds from the government Treasury. This payment - which is "like Christmas for him and many others" - is known as an ex-gratia award, or an award given not out of legal obligation, but as a gift. Because few can pronounce the term, it is known as egg-rasher .

Jonathan is very nervous about losing the money, after having seen a robbery victim collapse in desperation when he discovered his award had been pick-pocketed. To protect his own gift, Jonathan balls the bills in his fist and stuffs his hand in his pocket, keeping his eyes down to avoid running into anyone on his way home.

He remains anxious during the rest of the day, and has trouble falling asleep that night. Soon after he finally drifted off, he wakes to the sound of someone knocking at his door. It is extremely late. He asks who knocks, and the man identifies himself as thief with "him [sic] people."

Maria immediately screams for help, and Jonathan and the children soon join her, calling to both the neighbors and the police. They stop after a few moments, to hear only silence. The thief leader then mockingly offers to help, leading his thief chorus into even louder cries for help. Jonathan realizes there are least five other men with the leader.

Having proven his point - nobody will come to help the family - the thief leader mockingly asks if he should now call for soldiers. Jonathan tells them not to bother.

The thief leader then asks for 100 pounds, and insists they will not hurt the family. He wants "no Civil War again," only a " Civil Peace ."

Swearing he only has 20 pounds to his name, Jonathan offers it to them. Some of the group insists he must be lying, and insist they search the house. The leader silences them and accepts the 20 pounds.

The next morning, neighbors visit to express their sympathy. They find the family already hard at work preparing for the day - Jonathan strapping a wine jug to his bike, Maria cooking breakfast cakes, and his son cleaning old wine bottles. It is as if nothing had happened.

Jonathan tells his neighbors that the loss of the egg-rasher money was nothing to him, as he had lost much more than that in the war. He ends by saying, “Nothing puzzles God.”

The story's opening operates on a contrast. At the same time that it introduces the reader to Jonathan’s constructive outlook, it obliquely references the extent of the war's devastation.

Jonathan not only considers himself lucky, but has an almost dazed optimism in his manner and attitude. Everywhere he looks, he sees not cause for mourning but rather opportunity and fortune. Consider when he returns home to Enugu. Instead of lamenting the devastation of his hometown, he celebrates his own little victory and gets to work.

And yet this attitude is not about ego. Instead, the religious language - "blessing" and "miracle" are used a lot - suggests how his attitude is actually shaped by humility. Jonathan seems to understand that he is at the mercy of circumstances bigger than his control, and thus revels in his seeming good fortune. He rarely celebrates his own cleverness or skill, but rather recognizes everything down to his survival as a special gift. In his mind, he is given not only life, but also his bicycle, his house, and later, the egg-rasher money. His key phrase - "Nothing puzzles God" - reflects his ability to move forward without being consumed by darkness. Jonathan's piety and resolve play a large role in his resilience at the end.

Achebe certainly sees this optimism as remarkable, considering how much cause there is to be potentially pessimistic. The greeting Jonathan and his neighbors use - "Happy Survival!" - evokes the extent of the tragedy they have survived: the Nigerian Civil War which raged from 1967 to 1970. Though Jonathan's exact role in the conflict is not discussed in the story, it is clear from context that he is Igbo, the people who had fought for independence from Nigeria but were defeated in 1970. During the animosities, the Igbo were heavily persecuted by the forces seeking to reunite Nigeria. (See the Additional Content section of this ClassicNote for more detail on the war.) So Jonathan's family would have most certainly been immersed by the war, the men possibly enlisted to fight as 'rebels', or all surviving as refugees. In other words, their entire world had been ripped apart.

Achebe personalizes Jonathan's tragedy through details that surface despite Jonathan's optimistic outlook. For instance, his delight that three of his four children had survived indirectly alludes to the death of his fourth child. Further, during the war, he used that child's burial ground to hide his bicycle. The anecdote is presented as a victory, hardly mentioning any remorse for or reflection over the boy's demise. Jonathan celebrates the success of his plan, ironically revealing the level of dehumanization his people have suffered. His child's resting place has become a repository, to some extent suggesting that he has come to view human remains simply as objects in the face of such devastation.

Another way Achebe evokes the horrors of the war is through his language. Saying that the Iwegbu family had “come out of the war” with their “heads,” Achebe employs a synecdoche which raises the specter of decapitation and other violence. The body is viewed as a collection of pieces, again implying a sense of dehumanization. This wording is repeated several times throughout "Civil Peace" to continually remind us of the war's violence and chaos.

Perhaps one of the saddest implications is that the war has destroyed Jonathan's sense of community. He is almost entirely focused on himself and his family; almost never in the story does he wonder how his actions will benefit or affect anyone else. The story does not judge him for this quality - how could it, given the war he had just survived? - but does imply that years of misery had taught people to look out only for themselves. It is yet another way that the war has dehumanized its victims. That idea is echoed, of course, when nobody tries to help the family when they are accosted by thieves.

And certainly, Jonathan and other Igbo cannot rely on authority for any guidance. The story's first representative of authority - the disheveled army officer - establishes this distrust. Not only is the man potentially just trying to steal the bike (claiming it is for military purposes), but he is easily satiated with a bribe. His only bargaining chip is his authority (and presumably his weapon). And of course, he is ostensibly Jonathan's representative, on the 'rebel' side. Authority is considered unreliable in "Civil Peace" - this is clear when Jonathan chooses not to call for soldiers when accosted. He knows they cannot be trusted to help. It is no surprise that people have had to turn to themselves, when their own communities are decimated, the opposing army wants to persecute them, and their own army will gladly exploit them.

(Along these lines, one interesting possibility, detailed in The Short Stories for Students , is that the thieves might well be former soldiers. This would explain the machine gun they own, as well as their group efficiency. If one accepts this interpretation, then authority is actually presented not only as inefficient, but also as dangerous.)

Of course, Jonathan is not only fortunate, but also focused and efficient. As mentioned above, he sees in his decimated town not cause for grief, but opportunity. Instead of viewing the wreckage as remains of a former life, he sees them as materials for his home's future. His philosophy is reflected best of all in that phrase - "Nothing puzzles God" - which implies that God does not concern Himself with trying to understand the world. In the same way, Jonathan leaves the past behind, works with what he is given, and exploits whatever is available to his family's benefit.

And this attitude serves him well. He repairs his home quickly, and then establishes a seemingly efficient set of businesses. Jonathan has clearly instilled his work ethic and perspective in his children, who pick their mangoes in the military cemetery, willing to overlook the humanist implications for the sake of a small profit.The family's entrepreneurial spirit is commendable, and not universal. Achebe tells us of other men who spend their days simply waiting for the Coal Corporation to reopen. Homeless, destitute, and helpless, these men stand in stark contrast to Jonathan, who began to plan his recovery as soon as the war was over. As someone who believed in the instructive power of writing, Chinua Achebe likely meant Jonathan to act as a model for his fellow countrymen, someone whom the men outside the Corporation would do well to imitate ("Africa and Her Writers" 617).

Indeed, Jonathan realizes the importance of vigilance and forethought. Consider the man he sees outside the Treasury, who “collapse[d] into near madness” in public, after having been pick-pocketed. This character serves as Jonathan's foil - he represents the very carelessness that Jonathan swears to avoid. In Jonathan's mind, this man did not only suffer poor fortune, but also allowed himself to be robbed. That is, Jonathan recognizes the centrality of luck or fortune, but also knows that he must capitalize on that luck. His panicked walk home from the Treasury could almost be comic for being so heavily planned if the scene were not infused with so much desperation.

(This moment also foreshadows the story's climax. In the same way the man was robbed and then publicly shamed, the family will be robbed within sight of all its neighbors. This unstable, dangerous society produces witness who are not shocked but instead “remark quietly on the victim’s carelessness,” similar to how the neighbors later ignore the Iwegbu cries for help. What distinguishes this foreshadowing scene to the climax is how Jonathan reacts to the robbery, as detailed below.)

There is also a cultural component to Jonathan's resilience. Through his character, Achebe praises the Igbo people in general. In one interview, Achebe talked of the role of God and evil in Ibo (another way of writing Igbo) society in Southeastern Nigeria, explaining that "the Ibo do not struggle against the fact of imperfection, but believe that it is their duty to make the world a better place through their work. Evil is to be expected and recognized--this is the only way to proceed in the world" (Sanderson 27). This is a concise summation of Jonathan's worldview, and suggests the reason he is able to persevere.

Such resilience is particularly important in this story, since in the post-war period, the government is either unwilling or unable to offer any support. The Nigerian Coal Corporation reflects this, as it was a state-run monopoly that after the war can offer no safety or stability to its people. And yet so many people have so little that they wait all day at its gates, hoping to be rescued with even a small job. When considered in contrast to the government, Jonathan serves as a symbolic potential that a government after a conflict might have. If that government simply focuses on moving forward and rebuilding itself (as Jonathan does with his family), then perhaps recovery can be more effectively realized. Unfortunately, this Nigerian government does not seem poised to offer such assistance.

And what little help the government can offer - through the meager 20 pound egg-rasher money - is delivered poorly, as Jonathan's experience at the Treasury shows. The narrator references “five days of endless scuffles in queues and counter queues” to suggest how inefficiently the government operates. This works as another contrast to Jonathan and his family, who prize efficiency for their success.

Of course, the government's minimal assistance might reflect its deliberate disinterest in the Igbo people who lived in the state's Southeastern region. The name of the 20 pound award is a good example. As described in the Summary, the actual name for the egg-rasher money is the ex-gratia award, meaning an award given not out of legal obligation, but as a gift. The phrasing implies a superior attitude to the people who receive it. While Achebe does not comment much on the political realities of post-war Nigeria, it is a fact that Nigeria viewed this region as rebellious - their independence as Biafra had caused the war. Thus, one can ask whether the government simply does not care to offer any substantial report to the region.

It is an unstable, dangerous world that Jonathan manages with amazing optimism. This central thematic conflict is manifest in the story's climax, when the thieves accost the family. Quite remarkably, the story is structured in two parts. The first half, before the thieves appear, introduces the family, their world, and the aforementioned central thematic conflict. The second half reflects almost everything established about that world through the climactic encounter.

Symbolically serving as a microcosm for that uncertainty, the thieves threaten great violence that is neither directly visible nor quite realized. In the same way danger might always be around the corner in post-war Nigeria, these thieves literally stand on the other side of Jonathan's door. Similarly, the family hears their machine gun, but never sees it.

The importance of relying only on oneself is reflected in the cries for help. Nobody responds to the family's cries, and the thieves threateningly mock them by crying out themselves. The implication is that everyone cries only for himself; and in moments of tragedy, we are all responsible for our own doom or salvation. Both community and authority are useless.

And more poignantly, the thief leader indicates the story's ultimate irony by speaking the title phrase: "Civil Peace." It is ironic because the period is neither civil nor peaceful; the presence of the thieves is evidence of that. The title also plays on the greater irony of the common phrase 'Civil War,' usually a country's most horrific war precisely because it relies on anything but civility. But most simply, the phrase merely shows up how the war's violence and upheaval has bled into the peace, blurring any strict distinction.

The extended dialogue between Jonathan and the thief leader only underscores how split any sense of community is. Whereas Jonathan speaks clearly, with a strong sense of grammar, the thieves are clearly uneducated. Their call-and-response chorus has a musical, theatrical quality that hearkens back to tribal ritual, evoking an Igbo past that Jonathan has long traded for the more 'civilized' town life. They are of the same people, yet fundamentally unconnected.

As a group, these thieves reflect the very tumult that Jonathan gives praise to God for having survived. They represent the forces of death and destruction, those which make each man meaningless, threatening always a potential demise that Jonathan has next to no control over. In the largest sense, they are the same forces of hatred and fear that caused the war, and leave humans always unsettled, a reflection of what other civilizations might call the tragic force. They are everything we wish to avoid, and that someone like Jonathan hopes to counter with his resilience. But no matter how hard he tries, those forces can show up at any time.

Most remarkable of all is the family's resilience in the face of the robbery. If the thieves represent the same forces that Jonathan faced during the war, then he reacts to their disappearance in the same way he acted after it: he gets back to work. They lament nothing, and instead rededicate themselves to a notable efficiency in which each family member is preparing for business. As the neighbors saunter over, Jonathan responds in an entirely different way than the man as the Treasury did. Whereas that man showed a public “extremity of agony”, Jonathan refuses to express concern. His attitude - as established at the beginning of the story - is that nobody has control over his fate, so it is best to simply make do with what he has.

In his final address, Jonathan expresses once again the central conflict of the story, that between grief and persistence. He alludes to his greater grief at the end, mentioning that he lost greater things than the egg-rasher money during the war (presumably his son), and hence considers that loss negligible. Though it admits no pain, the phrase does indicate that Jonathan has not forgotten about his son's death, but instead has learned from it. In other words, his greater optimism is not naive but informed, a survival tool. He will not let himself be deterred by trying to understand tragedy, but instead will see what is left and praise his fortune for that. After all, "Nothing puzzles God."

Additionally, it is worth noting that Achebe is able to capture the story's contrasts and ironies in large part through his notable and unique writing style. Most of Achebe's work is praised for its matter-of-fact style, in which the narrator seems to merely recount facts, rather than emotionally comment on them. He does not empathize through language - as one might do when recounting a war scene by describing the brutality of a body. Instead, Achebe's style is almost journalistic, which adds both a distance and a certain heaviness when he recounts horrible events or memories. Throughout this story, Achebe's style neither explicitly approves of Jonathan's approach to life, nor emotionally justifies it through the description of that troubled life. Instead, it leaves the judgment and empathy to the reader.

Finally, some readers might know that many of Chinua Achebe’s novels deal directly and extensively with the legacy of European colonialism in Africa. This theme is muted in "Civil Peace", but can still be detected. Reference is made to British products like Biro pens or Bournvita drinks. Elsewhere, Achebe attributes some responsibility for the Civil War itself to a colonial legacy which created borders without considering human geography and robbed Africans of the opportunity to practice self-rule (“Nigeria’s promise, Africa’s hope”). In this way, "Civil Peace" shows a society struggling with the long-lasting effects of British colonialism and imperialism, even if it it does not explicitly comment on that situation.

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Civil Peace Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Civil Peace is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

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Which sentence from the passage most closely identifies a mystery that is not fully explained?

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Study Guide for Civil Peace

Civil Peace study guide contains a biography of Chinua Achebe, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

About Civil Peace
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Essays for Civil Peace

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Taking Control of Fate in Chinua Achebe's Civil Peace

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“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe: Analysis

“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe appeared in 1971 as part of a collection of stories called Girls at War and Other Stories.

Introduction: “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Table of Contents

“Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe appeared in 1971 as part of a collection of stories called Girls at War and Other Stories . The story follows Jonathan Iwegbu, a man who survives the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) along with his wife and three of his four children. Jonathan considers himself lucky and works hard to rebuild his life in the post-war society. He finds his house intact, opens a bar for soldiers, and receives some money from the government. However, he also faces challenges such as scarcity of resources, lack of employment opportunities, and insecurity from thieves. The story portrays the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, as well as the themes of survival, resilience, optimism, and human dignity. The story has received wide acclaim for its realistic and engaging style, its use of local dialects and proverbs, and its insight into the Nigerian culture and history.

Main Events in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Jonathan, the protagonist , returns home from the civil war in Nigeria with his family and discovers that his house is still standing, making him grateful.
Jonathan goes to retrieve his bicycle from a well where he hid it during the war and finds it missing, causing him to be momentarily upset.
Jonathan is able to secure a job as a steward for a wealthy man, Mr. Okoli, which provides him and his family with some stability.
Jonathan uses his resourcefulness to repair and sell old clocks, making a small profit and improving his family’s financial situation.
Jonathan and his family are robbed by a group of thieves who take their money and belongings, but Jonathan is still grateful that they were not hurt.
Jonathan finds out that his son, who was assumed to be dead, is alive and being held in a refugee camp, and he immediately sets out to bring him home.
Jonathan successfully negotiates with the camp officials and is able to bring his son home, despite having to pay a hefty bribe.
Jonathan’s daughter is able to enroll in school, which is a significant achievement given the post-war conditions in Nigeria.
Jonathan receives compensation for his bicycle from the government, which is a small victory for him and his family.
Jonathan continues to persevere and remain optimistic despite the challenges he faces, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Literary Devices in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Allusion : A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature. Example: When Jonathan compares his own situation to Job’s in the Bible, he is making an allusion.
Foreshadowing : Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story. Example: When Jonathan’s bicycle is stolen early in the story, it foreshadows the many challenges he will face in the post-war society.
Hyperbole : An exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. Example: When Jonathan describes his family as “millionaires” after he receives his pay from Mr. Okoli, he is using hyperbole.
Imagery : The use of sensory details to create a mental picture or sensory experience. Example: When Jonathan describes the “dark, suffocating cloud” of the war, he is using imagery.
Irony : A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. Example: When Jonathan is robbed of all his possessions except for a bucket and a lantern, it is ironic because these simple items end up being more valuable than his other belongings.
Metaphor : A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Example: When Jonathan describes the war as a “mad wind,” he is using a metaphor.
Motif : A recurring theme or image in a work of literature. Example: The motif of bicycles appears throughout the story, symbolizing mobility, freedom, and survival.
Onomatopoeia : Words that imitate the sound they describe. Example: When Jonathan hears the sound of his bicycle chain rattling, it is an example of onomatopoeia.
Personification : Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: When Jonathan describes the “grinning darkness” of the night, he is using personification.
Repetition : Repeating words, phrases, or ideas for emphasis or effect. Example: The repetition of the phrase “civil peace” throughout the story emphasizes its importance as a theme.
Simile : A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: When Jonathan describes his daughter’s laughter as “like the song of a bird,” he is using a simile.
Symbolism : The use of objects or images to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Example: The bicycle symbolizes survival and resourcefulness in the post-war society.
Theme : The underlying message or lesson that a work of literature conveys. Example: The theme of “Civil Peace” is that even in the aftermath of war, people can find hope, joy, and meaning in simple blessings.
Tone : The author’s attitude or mood toward the subject or characters of a work of literature. Example: The tone of “Civil Peace” is optimistic and hopeful, even in the face of hardship and adversity.
Verbal irony : A contrast between what is said and what is meant. Example: When Jonathan describes his bicycle as “an old piece of iron,” he is using verbal irony because it is actually a valuable resource in the post-war society.

Characterization in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Major characters:.

Jonathan: The protagonist of the story, Jonathan is a hardworking man who takes on odd jobs to provide for his family. He is optimistic and grateful for his survival in the civil war.
Maria: Jonathan’s wife, Maria is a supportive and caring woman who also works hard to ensure that her family is taken care of. She is resourceful and helps Jonathan in his various endeavors.

Minor characters:

The children: Jonathan and Maria have four children, who are all named after the days of the week. Their children are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They are happy and resilient, despite the challenges they face.
Biafran soldiers: The Biafran soldiers are the military men who fought on the side of the Biafran rebels during the civil war. They are depicted as ruthless and violent, as they looted and destroyed property during the war.
Thief: The thief is a minor character who attempts to steal from Jonathan’s home. However, he is caught by Jonathan and his neighbors and is forced to return the stolen items.
The coalman: The coalman is a minor character who helps Jonathan transport the materials he salvaged from the war. He is friendly and reliable, and Jonathan pays him generously for his help.
Johnson: Johnson is a minor character who informs Jonathan about the government’s plan to exchange the old currency for a new one. He helps Jonathan convert his savings into the new currency, which saves Jonathan’s family from financial ruin.

Major Themes in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

1. War and its Aftermath

Reference: The story opens with Jonathan counting his blessings, which include his own head, his wife’s head, and the heads of three of their four children. This emphasizes the brutality of the war and the constant threat of death.
Argument: Achebe paints a picture of a society deeply affected by the war. Physical destruction and the loss of loved ones are prominent throughout the story. The characters grapple with the psychological trauma of the conflict.

2. Optimism and Resilience

Reference: Despite the hardships, Jonathan clings to a sense of optimism. He finds joy in the simple act of survival and the possession of his bicycle.
Argument: Even in the face of immense loss, the characters demonstrate a will to survive and rebuild. Jonathan’s determination to protect his family and hold onto his possessions exemplifies this theme.

3. Survival and Family

Reference: Jonathan’s primary concern throughout the robbery is the safety of his family. He desperately tries to get help from his neighbors but receives no response.
Argument: Family is portrayed as the cornerstone of survival. Jonathan is willing to sacrifice anything to protect his loved ones, highlighting the importance of familial bonds during difficult times.

4. Corruption and Self-Reliance

Reference: The thieves who rob Jonathan mock the concept of “Civil Peace” while demanding money. This suggests that the peace is fragile and self-serving for those in power. Jonathan cannot rely on authorities for help, highlighting the breakdown of societal structures.
Argument: The story criticizes the lack of security and the potential for exploitation in the aftermath of war. Jonathan is forced to rely on his own resources to protect his family, showcasing the need for self-reliance in a corrupt environment.

5. The Nature of Gratitude

Reference: Jonathan considers himself “extraordinarily lucky” to have survived the war. He even cherishes the “miracle” of saving his old bicycle.
Argument: Achebe explores the concept of gratitude in difficult circumstances. Jonathan finds value in what remains, rather than dwelling on the losses incurred during the war. This perspective suggests a way to cope with trauma and find hope for the future.

Writing Style in “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe’s writing style in “Civil Peace” is concise and vivid, with active verbs that bring the story to life. He uses simple, direct language that captures the gritty reality of post-war Nigeria. The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, which allows the reader to see inside Jonathan’s mind and understand his motivations. Achebe employs a range of literary devices, including similes and metaphors, to create a sense of depth and richness in the narrative. For example, he describes the road as a “long ribbon of moonlit dust” (paragraph 3) and the thieves as “silent shadows” (paragraph 14), adding a layer of atmosphere to the story. Overall, Achebe’s writing style in “Civil Peace” is powerful and evocative, capturing the essence of life in a war-torn country.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Marxist Criticism : A Marxist interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on the socioeconomic and political factors that shape Jonathan’s experiences after the war. This approach would analyze the relationship between Jonathan’s status as a working-class citizen and the capitalist system that governs post-war Nigeria.
Reader-Response Criticism : A reader-response interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on how readers’ personal experiences and backgrounds shape their understanding of the story. This approach would explore how different readers might respond to Jonathan’s resilience, his religious beliefs, and his relationships with his family and community.
Postcolonial Criticism : A postcolonial interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on how the story reflects the impact of colonialism on Nigeria and its people. This approach would analyze how Achebe’s portrayal of Jonathan’s experiences after the war reflects the legacy of colonialism in terms of economic inequality, cultural suppression, and political instability.
Feminist Criticism : A feminist interpretation of “Civil Peace” would focus on the role of gender in the story. This approach would analyze the representation of women in the story, including Jonathan’s wife and daughters, and how their experiences reflect broader gender inequalities in Nigerian society. It would also explore how the story reinforces or challenges traditional gender roles and expectations.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Short question-answer “civil peace” by chinua achebe.

Q: What is the central theme of “Civil Peace”?

A: The central theme of “Civil Peace” is the resilience and resourcefulness required to overcome hardship, particularly in the aftermath of war. This is powerfully demonstrated through Jonathan, who tirelessly works to rebuild his life and provide for his family despite the devastation of the Nigerian Civil War. He creatively adapts to his circumstances, showcasing the essential qualities for survival and recovery in a broken society.

Q: How does Jonathan’s character reflect the socioeconomic realities of post-war Nigeria?

A: Jonathan embodies the struggles of many working-class Nigerians trying to rebuild after the war. His background as a former coal miner with limited opportunities highlights the economic hardships and lack of social mobility faced by many. However, his unwavering resourcefulness in finding ways to generate income is a testament to the spirit and ingenuity that defined the survival strategies of countless Nigerians in the post-war period.

Q: What role does faith play in “Civil Peace”?

A: Faith is a crucial element in “Civil Peace,” providing Jonathan with strength and influencing his actions. His belief in divine protection and his gratitude for simply being alive sustain him through adversity. His faith also inspires unexpected acts of kindness, such as paying a ransom for someone who wronged him, contributing to his vision of a more just and peaceful world.

Q: What does the ending of “Civil Peace” suggest about the possibility of rebuilding and recovery after conflict?

A: The ending offers a cautiously optimistic view of post-conflict recovery. While Jonathan’s resourcefulness and community efforts demonstrate the potential for rebuilding, the fragility of his newfound prosperity hints at the lingering challenges. The story concludes with uncertainty about the future, acknowledging that peace is tenuous. However, it emphasizes the power of individuals and communities to actively shape a better future despite the enduring scars of conflict.

Literary Works Similar to “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This powerful novel delves into the complexities and devastation of the Nigerian Civil War, focusing on the intertwined lives of individuals as they grapple with identity, nationalism, and the human cost of conflict.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Achebe’s classic work examines the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional Igbo society. The novel explores themes of cultural conflict, resilience amidst societal upheaval, and the lasting consequences of historical forces.
A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: This Kenyan novel explores the psychological and social wounds left by the Mau Mau Uprising and the fight for independence. It offers a nuanced look at individual trauma, societal guilt, and the challenges of rebuilding a nation in the aftermath of violence.
Beast of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala: This unflinching novel follows the harrowing journey of a child soldier, exposing the brutality of war and the complexities of rehabilitation for those forced into violence. While set in a different conflict, it shares with “Civil Peace” the themes of lost innocence and the struggle to rebuild a shattered life.
Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee: This novel is set in post-apartheid South Africa, examining themes of societal tension, the search for justice, and the challenges of rebuilding a fractured nation. While geographically distinct, the novel resonates with “Civil Peace” in its exploration of the lasting impact of violence and the complexities of reconciliation.

Civil Peace Summary

Jonathan finds himself “extraordinarily lucky” as he survived the war along with his wife and three of his four sons. Moreover, Jonathan also felt blessed getting back his bicycle. The narrator describes Jonathon troublesome thoughts regarding a man claiming to be a military officer and requisitioning his bicycle

Jonathan seems suspicious about the position of man because of his threadbare uniform. In order to send him away, Jonathan offers him two pounds which the military officer accepted.

Subsequently, Jonathan in order to hide his bicycle buries it in a graveyard in a refugee camp where his family has taken refuge. In that graveyard, his son was also buried.

Further, when war has ended, Jonathon comes to the graveyard after a year and digs up to get his bicycle. Jonathan got stunned when he saw his bicycle in fine condition. At that time he says “nothing puzzles God”.

Moreover, Jonathan starts up a taxi service after4 replenishing his bicycle. For each ride he charges six pounds. After accumulation of enough money, he decides to return to his old house situated in Enugu. When he reached there, he saw his house still standing amidst rubble. Once more he was amazed upon his fortune.

Though his house needs some repairs, he doesn’t get disappointed by it. Rather he gathers some material from debris for repairing his house. Also he hires a carpenter to do the needed fixation of the house. After that, he will move his family back to the old house again.

Similarly, his whole family got engaged in small works. His wife started selling food to neighbors while his children busy themselves in picking mangoes to sell. On the other hand, Jonathan opens up a bar in his house for soldiers. For this purpose he invests his money in palm wine located in a nearby village and then he waters it down.

In order to check whether the old coal mine will reopen or not, where he was previously employed he goes there. However, he witnessed his former co-workers in a pathetic situation over there. He saw him sleeping at the mine and eating stale foods. Upon seeing all such pathetic conditions he realized that the old coal mine won’t reopen. So, he goes back to his house and commits to his bar business.

One day, Jonathan was rewarded twenty pounds for returning a rebel currency. However, he doesn’t pay heed to be robbed even after the occurrence of a robbery a few days earlier. That night, they heard a loud knocking of armed thieves at their door, demanding for hundred pounds.

Upon realizing the arrival of thieves, Jonathan and his wife shout for assistance. But there was complete silence and no one came forward to help them. However, thieves seem confident and unflustered. Instead, the thief leader asks his group to help them. They shout for help and call out for police but no one responds. Afterwards, the thief leader asks Jonathan to call for soldiers instead.

Rather, he tells Jonathan that war has been ended and there is no longer civil war; civil peace is instead prevailing. Moreover, he threatens Jonathan and says all he has to do is to hand over them money and they will spare them. Otherwise, they will rummage through his house and mistreat his family.

Being fearful of thieves, Jonathan tells them he doesn’t have hundred pounds, he can only give them twenty pounds. The leader asks him to hand over the money via the window and they will spare them. However, the robbery group protests and insists to enter and search for more but the leader halts them.

On the following day, the family gets back to work again while the neighbors come to sympathize with them. However, Jonathan demonstrates to his neighbor that he was not only dependent on those 2 pounds. As well as, the loss occurred is very less as compared to the loss he faced in the war. Likewise, he gets over his loss and focuses on his work. The story ends on the refrain “nothing puzzles God”.

Background of the Story

“Civil Peace” was written by a Nigerian novelist, poet and critic Chinua Achebe in 1971. He is best known for his work Things Fall Apart . He mostly wrote about the devastating colonialism of Britain and the repercussions of War. He objects to the claimed Civilizing aim of Britain and termed it as exploitation.

This story is written after the Nigerian Civil War. The upheaval surges due to the tensions between the Hausas of North and the Igbo of southeast Nigeria. It throws light on the drastic impacts of the Civil War highlighting the country’s damaged infrastructure and economy. Likewise, it exhibits the loss of innocent lives (genocide), famine and miserable situations of people. Besides, it ironically depicts the incompetent colonialism.

It is a story of an optimistic and industrious man, who despite the loss of his son steps forward and starts endeavoring to survive. He tries to overcome every hurdle in his way in order to provide stability to his family.

Characters Analysis

Jonathan iwegbu.

He is the protagonist of the story. Besides, he is depicted as an optimistic, industrious and resilient character. He doesn’t regret the loss that occurred to him in the war. Rather, he copes up and starts endeavoring for his future.

In the story, he lost his son in the war despite that irreversible loss he celebrates what he still has such as his wife and remaining three children. As well as, he starts up different businesses in order to support his family.

Maria Iwegbu

She is the wife of Jonathan Iwegbu. She is a loyal and caring wife. Besides, she also mirrors the resilience and hardwork in the story. After war she starts baking cakes for neighbors in order to make some money and provide help to her husband. After getting robbed, she doesn’t mourn over her loss rather she stays focused on her work.

Thief Leader

He is in charge of robbery. He knocks at Jonathan’s door and boldly announces himself as a thief. He is depicted as confident and arrogant. Moreover, he mocks on the helplessness of Jonathan’s family.

Rather, he shouts for police and soldiers to arrive after neighbors didn’t respond. His language reflects his illiteracy. In addition, he exhibits the ever present threat in the post war times.

The Army Officer

He requisitioned Jonathan’s bike for some military purpose. However, Jonathan doesn’t lend him his bike instead he bribes him some money, which he accepts.

The army officer shows untrustworthiness and lack of governance and rule in the story.

Thief Chorus

This is the group consisting of five thieves who accompany the thief leader. Their role is to produce chanting responses to their leader’s decisions and questions.

At one point, chorus objects to the leader’s decision to get twenty pounds in lieu of hundred pounds. Chorus expresses desires of getting inside and rummages for more money, which the leader rejects.

Themes in Civil Peace

Glimpses of war can be seen throughout the story. This story reflects the devastating images of the war. With the help of Jonathan’s characters and things happening around him Achebe has tactfully interwoven the effects of war. It mirrors how the country’s infrastructure and economy was destroyed.

This is evident when Jonathan sees his house standing amidst rubble. Also, when he witnesses the homeless people living in the coal mines and eating stale food. Readers can also assume the loss of innocent lives during the war in the story. It is shown when Jonathan loses his son and buries him in the graveyard.

God, Optimism and Resilience

Throughout the story readers can find Jonathan coping up with his loss and regrets through the refrain “Nothing puzzles God”. From this, one can assume Achebe is prompting the religious teaching for the encouragement.

Jonathan stays optimistic despite every tragedy. Even he lost his son in the war but he doesn’t let himself get stuck to that point. Rather he believes in God and his fate and steps forward. He seems grateful for what he has not mourned over his losses.

Legacy of Colonialism

Achebe in the story has depicted the horrific colonialism of Britain’s. Achebe exhibits how the miseries and outcries of Africans fell over the deaf ears of colonizers.

He explains it via the tragedy of robbery at Jonathan’s House. Despite their screams everyone failed to respond not even police and soldiers came forward to help. Rather, the thief mocks the authority and ironically states the war has ended and now it is civil peace. This reflects the incompetence of colonizers. Also this mirrors highlights the apathetic attitude of colonizers towards their subjects in lieu of providing help to those who were exploiting them.

Untrustworthy Authority, Law and Justice

Achebe throws light on the Africa of those times. He opens up the reality of bad governance before readers. It is evident via the example of military officers who accept the bribe from Jonathan. This tells the readers how people were on their own for their survival.

As well as, when police and soldiers failed to respond to the robbery at Jonathan’s house. Rather there was complete silence from their side. This shows their apathy towards the problems of subjects.

Work Ethic and Struggle

After the war Jonathan started up a small business of taxi service. Then, from its profit he opens up a bar at his house. Whole Iwegbu family in the story is engaged in work. On one hand, father is running a business. On the other hand, mother and children are providing help by baking cakes, cleaning up wine bottles and selling fruits.

This also tells the readers about the economic perturbation after the war. Everyone was living in destitution. Achebe throws light on this by depicting the homeless people eating stale food and living in coal mines.

Literary Analysis

“Civil Peace” was written by a Nigerian novelist, poet and critic Chinua Achebe in 1971. He is best known for his work Things Fall Apart . He mostly wrote about the devastating colonialism of Britain and repercussions of War. He objects to the claimed Civilizing aim of Britain and termed it as exploitation.

Achebe has brought the attention of readers towards the problem of Africa in post war. He reflects the miserable condition of society, how colonizers were humiliating and abusing its subjects. He ironically objects to the concept of civil peace in Africa. Through the story he conveys how even in civil peace violence was prevailing.

In the same manner, Achebe portrays the drastic images of the Biafra revolution, civil war. He has shown how war has damaged the infrastructure and economy of society. This is evident from the glimpses of buildings debris when Jonathan visits his old house. Though his house wasn’t fallen to the ground but was surrounded by rubble of other buildings all around.

Similarly, Achebe exhibits the loss of thousands of civilians, who died in the war. In the story, it is evident when Jonathan buried his son in the graveyard during war. This pictures the bloodshed and destruction of war.

By picturing the struggles of Jonathan’s family, Achebe wants to depict the miserable condition of people. After the cruel war, everyone was exposed to extreme hardships. Most of them became homeless and scrounges for the food. In this way, it is said that fruitless war has brought nothing rather made the lives of Nigerian upside down.

Likewise, homelessness and scarcity of food is also highlighted. Achebe makes this obvious when Jonathan leaves his home along with his family and takes shelter in a refugee camp to save his family. As well as, when he goes to the old coal mine and witnesses his former co-workers homeless and facing the scarcity of food.

Moreover, Achebe objects to the concept of civil peace. He has shown how violence was still affecting the society under the name of civil peace. Via objecting the civil peace he also explores the apathetic attitude and bad governance in Nigeria. At first, Jonathan bribes a military officer to leave his bicycle. Secondly, when armed thieves arrived at his house and neighbors, police and soldiers failed to respond. Readers may assume that Achebe wants to convey that civil peace is not fully restored.

Besides the aforementioned points, he also gives hope to the society despite every hurdle one day they will get their destination. It is evident via the character of Jonathan who nevertheless of every tragedy stayed optimistic and struggled for his survival.

At first, after the war Jonathan initiated his business of taxi service by charging six pounds for each ride. After accumulating enough money, he invests his money in the business of a bar, which he opens up in his own house.

Likewise, Jonathan doesn’t regret what he lost rather he at every point endeavors for his future. Even when he was robbed he didn’t waste his time in mourning rather he stayed focused on his present work. Here, readers may find Achebe giving the message of endeavoring for the future. He wants his society to come out of their traumas and start working for a better future.

Significance of the Title

Achebe has ironically used this title to object to the false peace that the government has restored only by name after the Biafra revolution in Nigeria. The title “Civil” connotes the due rights of people.

However, in the story he contradicts the very title by depicting the violence and incompetence of authority in the society. He suggests to the readers that though war has ended but still it is affecting society in the form of shockwaves.

“Civil Peace” is written in the times of post war. The location of the story is set in Enugu, the former capital of Biafra (Eastern Nigeria) and the surrounding countryside.

Readers may find two symbols in the story through which Achebe highlights different things.

Jonathan’s Bicycle

Firstly, readers may come across this symbol in the story, which Achebe has tactfully used. The Bicycle symbolizes hope and revival of life. Jonathan digs up his bicycle and is amazed to find it in fine condition. Also, he refurbished his bicycle and through that he initiated his first business of taxi service. Through the profit of bicycle business he invests his money in bar business and in this way Jonathan’s family becomes stable.

Here, Achebe is of the view that one should stay strong nevertheless of hurdles in the way. In this way, they can reach their desired point. Through this he wants to convey the message of endeavoring to his Nigerian society, which was completely damaged after the civil war.

After the war everything was damaged in this way; everyone was supposed to start their lives from the beginning. The bicycle exhibits the same. It was dug up and refurbished then Jonathan initiated his business and a new life along with his family.

On the other hand, readers may find the symbol of egg rasher in the story. Egg rasher symbolizes the conflicts and violence in the post war times. Additionally, Jonathan was rewarded twenty pounds for turning over the rebel money. However, this rewarded money becomes the reason for the tragedy and threat for his family. Thieves arrived at his house dancing hundred pounds while Jonathan gave them this rewarded money to get rid of them.

Through this Achebe highlights that still violence and conflicts are present in the post war times. Though war has ended but it has harmed the society so deeply that its repercussions will haunt the society for long.

Achebe has pictured the military man who was demanding Jonathan’s bicycle. He describes him as a man of suspicious countenance with tattered uniform “disreputable rags” and worn out canvas shoes “toes peeping out of one blue and one brown canvas shoes”. Also his ranks were in an irregular pattern.

On the other hand, he depicts the debris when Jonathan rummages in order to gather things for his damaged house. He collects the “old zinc” , some woods and “soggy sheets of cardboard lying around in the neighborhood”.

Similarly, he described the morning of Jonathan’s family after the robbery at their house. They were all busy doing their work while neighbors were coming to sympathize with them. Jonathan was loading the “five-gallon demijohn to his bicycle carrier”. Moreover, his wife was perspiring before the open fire to cook “akara balls in a wide clay bowl of boiling oil” . Also his son was washing the wine bottles.

Literary devices

Achebe has used certain figurative devices in the story.

Readers may come across the word “Bournvita tins” which he has used to depict the ruthless colonialism of Britain over Africa It is used when Jonathan saw his former co-miner eating stale food and residue of bournvita tins. This depicts the apathetic attitude of colonizers towards it’s subjects.

Personification

One can see Achebe personifying the survival of Jonathan with happiness in the story “Happy survival!”. This expresses Jonathan’s emotions after war. He seems happy even after every tragedy he faced.

Further in the story, Jonathan’s house is personified with the humanly attribute “zinc house of no regrets”. This reflects the inner self of Jonathan who was having no remorse for his past.

Similarly, the knock of thieves is personified with the quality of being harsh and heavy “heaviest knocking”. Here it expresses the danger and violence that would be faced by Jonathan. Likewise, Achebe in order to specify the callousness of thieves group he personified it with “horrible chorus”.

Metaphors and Similes

Readers may also find the usage of metaphors and similes in the story. For instance, “heartless ruffian” was used for the thief who robbed the man before Jonathan. Achebe has used this to emphasize the unkindness of the robber. Moreover, Achebe has used the metaphor “oceanic crowd” to accentuate the number of people.

Likewise, Jonathan fortune is described through the “day of the windfall”. It depicts the mercy of God over Jonathan. In this way, he gets rewarded turning in the money of rebels.

Achebe emphasizes the sentiments of Jonathan through simile. He says “It was like Christmas for him”. This describes the joy for the reward he got. Also he compares his joys with the excitement and happiness of Christmas day.

The title itself is ironic as it contradicts the concept of civil peace in the story. Achebe highlights the violence and incompetence of authorities which is in contrast with the title.

Throughout the story one can see Achebe using the refrain “Nothing puzzles God” . Through this he accentuates the hope. Also, the ways of Divine which a mortal can comprehend. The way God has shown his mercy over Jonathan.

Genre & Tone

“Civil Peace” is written in historical fiction. The overall tone used in the story is optimistic and hopeful.

Point of View

Achebe has used the third person limited point of view. Readers can explore the story through the thoughts and views of Jonathan.

Short Stories

Civil Peace

27 pages • 54 minutes read

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Story Analysis

Character Analysis

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Discussion Questions

Achebe narrates the story from a third-person limited perspective focused on Jonathan Iwegbu , a victim of the civil war. How might the story be different if the same events were narrated from a different perspective?

How do you interpret the title “Civil Peace”? Consider the historical context , purpose, and irony .

Achebe wrote both fiction and nonfiction. What is gained or lost by exploring the experiences of individuals after the civil war in a short story rather than an essay?

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Peace in Civil Society

Categories: Civil Rights

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Published: Mar 25, 2024

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7 The civil peace

Published: November 2014
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‘The civil peace’ describes a type of peace that is based on the idea that every person in society has the ability to mobilize for peace from a number of different perspectives which could be disarmament, international cooperation, or an aversion to violence, discrimination, or oppression. This peace can arise from localized organizations and their campaigns. It develops as these organizations, communities, and political actors merge around the need for social justice. This sort of peace is associated with civil campaigns against slavery, for the vote, for welfare, disarmament, or for enfranchisement of women. Civil peace has had a significant impact on the international scene.

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Civil Peace

Chinua achebe, everything you need for every book you read..

War and Peace

Chinua Achebe’s “Civil Peace” begins with the main character, Jonathan , expressing his joy about the end of the Nigerian civil war, which raged from 1967 to 1970 between Nigeria and a failed secessionist state called Biafra. The cost of the war was terrible, illustrated by the fact that Jonathan feels lucky to have lost only his youngest son out of his six-person family, and by his astonishment when he discovers that his little house…

Optimism and Faith

Jonathan , the main character of “Civil Peace,” repeats the same phrase numerous times throughout the story: “Nothing puzzles God.” As the phrase implies, God acts as a guiding force for Jonathan. Jonathan’s mantra and his faith provide him with the emotional strength to accept both the good and the bad in his life without being weighed down by the violence and devastation which surrounds him in post civil-war Nigeria. Indeed, Jonathan’s most remarkable trait…

Authority, Corruption, and Self-reliance

In “Civil Peace,” Nigerian authority figures both during and after the war are repeatedly shown to be unreliable and corrupt. From the soldier who tries to steal Jonathan ’s bicycle , to the coal company that once employed him but seems to no longer be operational, to the night watchmen and police who fail to come to Jonathan’s aid during the robbery of his home, every authority figure in the story fails him. As a…

Money and Survival

Discussion of money is constant throughout “Civil Peace.” In particular, much of the story describes the various entrepreneurial ventures through which Jonathan , who is almost destitute at the end of the Nigerian civil war, supports himself and his family during the newfound peace. Through its constant focus on Jonathan’s efforts to make money, along with scenes that show other characters’ desperation to get money, the story suggests that money is not just nice to…

Days After U.N. Cease-Fire Resolution, Has Anything Changed in Gaza?

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday that demands an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Here’s a closer look at where the situation stands.

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People sit on the ground in the midst of rubble and destroyed buildings.

By Matthew Mpoke Bigg

March 29, 2024

Although the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday that demands an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, it remains to be seen whether it will have a concrete effect on the war or prove merely to be a political statement.

The measure, Resolution 2728, followed three previous attempts that the United States had blocked. It passed by 14 votes, after the United States abstained from voting and did not employ its veto.

The resolution also calls for the unconditional release of all hostages and the end to barriers to humanitarian aid.

Israel’s government condemned the vote, and early indications are that the U.N.’s action has changed little on the ground or spurred diplomatic progress.

Days after the vote, here’s a look at what has changed and what might happen next:

Has the resolution affected fighting?

Senior Israeli officials said that they would ignore the call for a cease-fire, arguing that it was imperative to pursue the war until it has dismantled the military wing of Hamas, the militant group that led the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Since Monday, there has been no apparent shift in the military campaign . Israel’s air force continues to pound Gaza with strikes, and Hamas is still launching attacks.

Israel’s military is pressing on with a raid at Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, the territory’s biggest medical facility, as well as its offensive in Khan Younis, the largest city in the south, where fighting has been fierce.

If Israel doesn’t heed the resolution, what can the U.N. do?

The Security Council has few means to enforce its resolutions. The Council can take punitive measures, imposing sanctions against violators. In the past, such measures have included travel bans, economic restrictions and arms embargoes.

In this case, however, legal experts said that any additional measure would require a new resolution and that passing it would require consent from the council’s five veto-holding members, including the United States, Israel’s staunchest ally.

There may be legal challenges as well. While the United Nations says that Security Council resolutions are considered to be international law, legal experts debate whether all resolutions are binding on member states, or only those adopted under chapter VII of the U.N. charter , which deals with threats to peace. The resolution passed on Monday did not explicitly mention Chapter VII.

U.N. officials said it was still binding on Israel, but some countries disagreed. South Korea said on Monday that the resolution was not “ explicitly coercive under Chapter VII,” but that it reflected a consensus of the international community.

Crucially, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, maintained that the resolution was nonbinding . The United States, which holds significant power on the Security Council because of its permanent seat, likely views the passage of the resolution as more a valuable political instrument than a binding order, experts said.

The U.S. abstention sends a powerful signal of its policy priorities even if, in the short term, the Security Council is unlikely to take further steps, according to Ivo H. Daalder, a former American ambassador to NATO.

“Neither Israel or Hamas is going to be swayed by a U.N. resolution,” Mr. Daalder said.

What about aid?

Israel controls the flow of aid into Gaza, and after five months of war, Gazans are facing a severe hunger crisis bordering on famine, especially in the north, according to the United Nations and residents of the territory.

Aid groups have blamed Israel, which announced a siege of the territory after Oct. 7. They say officials have impeded aid deliveries through inspections and tight restrictions.

Israel argues that it works to prevent aid reaching Hamas and says that its officials can process more aid than aid groups can distribute within the territory. Growing lawlessness in Gaza has also made the distribution of aid difficult, with some convoys ending in deadly violence.

Little has changed this week. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza on Tuesday from the two border crossings open for aid roughly matched the average daily number crossing this month, according to U.N. data. That figure, about 150 trucks per day, is nearly 70 percent less than the number before Oct. 7.

How has the resolution affected diplomacy?

Israel and Hamas appear to still be far apart on negotiations aimed at brokering a halt in fighting and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Mediators have been in Qatar to try to narrow the gaps. But late Monday, Hamas rejected Israel’s most recent counterproposal and its political leader, on a visit to Tehran this week, said the resolution showed that Israel was isolated diplomatically.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has argued that the resolution set back negotiations, emboldening Hamas to hold out for better terms.

The biggest sticking point in the cease-fire talks had recently been the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, in particular those serving extended sentences for violence against Israelis, U.S. and Israeli officials have said.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a correspondent covering international news. He previously worked as a reporter, editor and bureau chief for Reuters and did postings in Nairobi, Abidjan, Atlanta, Jakarta and Accra. More about Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen were killed when their convoy was hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel called the strike “a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people.”

After the deadly strike on World Central Kitchen workers, other aid groups in Gaza said they were more concerned than ever about the safety of their staff members .

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to call for early elections to oust Netanyahu . Many of them believe he has put his political survival ahead of the broader interests of the Israeli people.

Internal Roil at TikTok: TikTok has been dogged for months by accusations that its app has shown a disproportionate amount of pro-Palestinian and antisemitic content to users. Some of the same tensions have also played out inside the company.

Palestinian Detainees: Israel has imprisoned more than 9,000 Palestinians suspected of militant activity . Rights groups say that some have been abused or held without charges.

A Hostage’s Account: Amit Soussana, an Israeli lawyer, is the first former hostage to speak publicly about being sexually assaulted during captivity in Gaza.

A Power Vacuum: Since the start of the war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has done little to address the power vacuum that would appear after Israeli forces leave Gaza. The risks of inaction are already apparent in Gaza City .

Watch CBS News

Cesar Chavez's family to endorse Biden after RFK Jr. claims civil rights leader would've voted for him

By Ed O'Keefe , Fin Gómez

Updated on: March 29, 2024 / 9:09 AM EDT / CBS News

President Biden is set to be endorsed Friday by members of Cesar Chavez 's family — a mostly symbolic gesture, but one meant to send a signal to independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who's trying to invoke his own family's ties to the late union organizer and civil rights leader.

Fernando and Paul Chavez, the sons of the late co-founder of the United Farm Workers, are endorsing the president on Friday, the Biden campaign told CBS News. The family already has close ties to the campaign as Julie Chavez Rodriguez, the granddaughter of Chavez, serves as the president's campaign manager.

"The bonds of affection and respect for a president who by his character and actions consistently reflects the genuine legacy of my father, Cesar Chavez," Paul Chavez said in a statement.

A sculpture of Cesar Chavez is seen in the Oval Office on January 28, 2021.

"Today, my grandfather's bust sits in the Oval Office — a reminder that President Biden understands the power of organizing and working people and recognizes the impact of my grandfather's legacy to continue to mobilize our communities into action," Julie Chavez Rodriguez told CBS News. "In an election that will determine the fate of organized labor, our Latino community, and our democracy, I could not be more humbled to accept the support of my family as one of many that will power us to victory in November ¡Si se puede!."

An historic 36.2 million Latino voters are eligible to vote in this year's election, an increase of 6 million voters since 2020, according to Pew Research. Both Mr. Biden and former President Donald Trump have been courting the Hispanic vote in key battleground states like Nevada and Arizona. Recent polls show this crucial demographic may be more up for grabs than in recent presidential cycles. While Mr. Biden still garners majority support from Latino voters, his backing from this critical demographic has waned. According to a CBS News poll from late February , Mr. Biden's support among Hispanic voters has dropped by 12 points since 2020, from 65% to 53%.

Enter RFK Jr. , who in his independent bid for the White House has been utilizing his uncle John F. Kennedy's famous "Viva Kennedy" mantel in recent weeks to appeal to Latinos. On Saturday, borrowing heavily from the 1960s slogan, Kennedy will campaign in Los Angeles at a "Viva Kennedy 2024" event designed to launch his campaign's outreach to Hispanic voters and to connect his insurgent White House bid to his father's historic ties to the farmworker movement that helped birth the modern-day Latino civil rights movement.

The friendship between the elder Kennedy and United Farm Workers' iconic leader Cesar Chavez helped galvanize Latino support for Robert F. Kennedy in the 1968 Democratic presidential primary before he was assassinated after winning the California primary.

This is the second time in two weeks that Mr. Biden's reelection campaign has tried to blunt Kennedy's campaign. On St. Patrick's Day, the president gave members of the extended Kennedy family — including some of the candidate's siblings and cousins — a private tour of the Oval Office and West Wing before hosting them with hundreds of others at a holiday reception. Members of the Kennedy family posted photos with the president in a signal that they stand with Mr. Biden and the Democratic Party's nominee, despite their relative's campaign.

The president's ties to the Kennedy and Chavez families and his appreciation for their patriarchs are not only deeply personal, but also marked in the White House, as busts of both Robert F. Kennedy and Cesar Chavez are prominently displayed in the Oval Office.

Aaron Navarro and Allison Novelo contributed reporting.

2024 Elections

Ed O'Keefe is CBS News senior White House and political correspondent. He previously worked for The Washington Post covering presidential campaigns, Congress and federal agencies. His primary focus is on President Biden, Vice President Harris and political issues across the country.

More from CBS News

Biden speaks with China's Xi in first call since November meeting

Biden campaign releases ad attacking Trump over abortion

Amid hunger in Gaza, Palestinians struggle to celebrate Ramadan

Hunter Biden's motions to dismiss tax charges denied by judge

Middle East latest: Ships loaded with 240 tonnes of aid to leave Gaza - as Israeli PM says 'unintended strike' killed charity workers

The IDF has expressed its "sincere sorrow" for the deaths of seven aid workers, including three Britons, in a strike it launched on Gaza. A spokesman insisted the IDF was "committed to international law" after the attack, and vowed to share findings of an investigation.

Tuesday 2 April 2024 18:12, UK

Israel-Hamas war

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Aid workers killed

Three British aid workers among seven killed in Israeli attack, charity says
Netanyahu: 'Unintended strike' killed workers
Ships carrying 240 tonnes of undelivered aid to turn back from Gaza
IDF insists it is 'professional' after deadly attack
Alistair Bunkall: Israel's admission will not stop foreign leaders demanding answers
Podcast: Will volunteers leave Gaza after aid deaths?
Iran promises 'harsh' response to strike on consulate in Syria - with top commanders killed
'Total destruction' left as IDF withdraws from Gaza's biggest hospital
Live reporting by Guy Birchall

A former prime minister of Israel has told Sky News he thinks Benjamin Netanyahu should be "removed immediately".

Ehud Olmert says he believes the prime minister has "failed the country" and branded the way he is handling the conflict and the internal situation in Israel "completely outrageous".

He said: "I think the main thing that must be said against Netanyahu is that he fails to take the necessary measures to protect civilians and get back the hostages.

"It seems that he is holding back the efforts by those who are taking part in the negotiations with Qatar and the US and that is appalling."

Asked if he thought there was some way Mr Netanyahu could be removed from office, he said: "I certainly hope so."

"The protest movement is growing, and I think they all want to bring down the government for their mistakes, their failures, wrong judgement and lack of responsibility in handling international affairs which is damaging our relationship with the US and Europe," he said.

He added there should be no ground assault in Rafah and that Israel needs to stop the war now.

"We won the war, any attempt to take over Rafah will not make any difference to the basic situation, it will just kill more Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. We don't need any of this."

He also described the deaths of the aid workers in the IDF strike on Gaza as "disgusting and terrible", adding he felt Israel should apologise formally for the incident but that he had "no doubt" the incident was a "mistake".

Our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall says he suspects the UK government may take some sort of action after the deaths of three Britons in an IDF airstrike.

"It was not just a single airstrike - all three vehicles in that aid convoy spaced three kilometres apart were hit by missiles," he says.

"Clearly the fact that the aircraft, be it a drone or a jet, fired three separate missiles, shows it was the intention to strike this convoy.

"Perhaps they thought there were Hamas fighters in it.

"That is part of what the investigation will have to establish, but there were no Hamas fighters.

"It was aid workers, among them three Britons, an Australian and a Polish national as well.

"It is the first time that foreign nationals have been killed, and that is why it is significant.

"I think we will see an international reaction against Israel asking it to explain itself and possibly consequences, particularly from the British government."

He added the Israeli government was quick to accept responsibility and send their condolences, but Benjamin Netanyahu's explanation that "these things happen in war" was unlikely to "rub" with Britain, Australia or Poland.

After the death of seven aid workers in Gaza, we explore what working in a "death zone" in Gaza looks like for charity volunteers in today's episode of the Daily podcast.

Our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire is joined by Ahmed Bayram, media adviser for Middle East and North Africa at the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Plus, our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall reports on whether the IDF's review of the deaths will be enough to reassure foreign governments and humanitarian organisations.

Rishi Sunak has said Israel "must explain" how the IDF airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza was allowed to happen.

Posting on X, the prime minister said...

Lord Cameron has told the Israeli foreign minister that the deaths of aid workers, including three Britons, in an IDF airstrike are "completely unacceptable".

In a post on X the foreign secretary said...

The Foreign Office has summoned the Israeli ambassador after three Britons were killed in an IDF airstrike in Gaza.

Andrew Mitchell, minister for Development and Africa, said: "Today, I summoned the ambassador of the Israeli embassy in London to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

"I set out the government's unequivocal condemnation of the appalling killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British nationals."

Mr Mitchell added the UK requested a "quick and transparent investigation" and called on Israel to "put in place an effective deconfliction mechanism" and "urgently to scale up humanitarian access".

"We need to see an immediate humanitarian pause, to get aid in and the hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire," he added.

Sir Keir Starmer has called the deaths of British nationals in an IDF airstrike in Gaza "outrageous and unacceptable".

The Labour leader said: "We condemn this strike. There must be a full investigation and those responsible must be held to account.

"Humanitarian workers put their lives in danger to serve others.

"Their deaths are outrageous and unacceptable - and it is not the first time aid workers have come under fire in Israel’s campaign."

Sir Keir went on to say that international law must be upheld and that the war "must stop now".

"Far too many innocent people have died in this conflict and more than a million are facing starvation," he said.

"Labour repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and full humanitarian access into Gaza."

Three British aid workers were among those killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza, the charity World Central Kitchen has said.

It had previously only confirmed the death of one Briton.

They were volunteers for the charity travelling in a three-car convoy when they were killed.

They had just unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea, the charity said.

Earlier the Associated Press cited hospital records as saying the dead also included an Australian, a Pole and an American-Canadian dual citizen.

By Sam Doak, OSINT producer

Geolocated footage and information from individuals with knowledge from the ground provides further insight into events surrounding the recent deaths of aid workers in central Gaza.

World Central Kitchen said their staff were travelling in three vehicles from the charity's Deir Al Balah warehouse.

Geolocated photographs show a burnt-out car on the side of the Al Rashid coastal road to the southwest of the city. Materials marked with World Central Kitchen’s branding can be seen in the back of the vehicle.

Photographs and footage of a second vehicle, with the charity's logo painted on its roof, place it around 810 metres southeast along the road. The roof appears to have been punctured by some kind of munition, and the interior is visibly damaged.

A third car appears to have been similarly destroyed. Geolocated footage posted to Instagram shows a white burnt-out vehicle in a field a further 1.6km southeast along the road. A high-visibility vest with World Central Kitchen branding is on the back seat.

Social media posts first mention the strikes at around 10.52pm local time. This fits with information provided to Sky News, which placed the attacks between 10.30 and 11pm.

Footage filmed shortly after shows that bodies were taken from The Al Rashid coastal road to Al Aqsa Hospital in the northeast of Deir Al Balah.

A Polish man has been named as one of the aid workers killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza.

Damian Sobol, from Przemysl in southeastern Poland, was named by his hometown mayor.

Officials lowered national flags to half-mast on the town's administration buildings.

Wojciech Bakun wrote on X that there were no words to describe the loss of this "fantastic young man".

According to his Facebook profile, Mr Sobol was educated at the Hotel and Catering School in Przemysl.

His latest posts showed him travelling a lot and volunteering for World Central Kitchen in Morocco and Corfu last year.

In 2022, he fundraised for the World Central Kitchen in Poland.

Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, said: "These brave people are changing the world for the better with their service and sacrifice for the others."

Israel has said the strike was "unintended" and will be investigated.

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COMMENTS

Civil Peace "Civil Peace" Summary and Analysis
Civil Peace study guide contains a biography of Chinua Achebe, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. More books than SparkNotes.
"Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe: an Anlysis
Chinua Achebe's short story "Civil Peace" is a poignant narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Set in post-civil war Nigeria, the story follows the protagonist, Jonathan Iwegbu, as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding his life and providing for his family in the aftermath of a devastating conflict.
"Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe: Analysis
Major Themes in "Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe. 1. War and its Aftermath. Reference: The story opens with Jonathan counting his blessings, which include his own head, his wife's head, and the heads of three of their four children. This emphasizes the brutality of the war and the constant threat of death.
Civil Peace Summary & Analysis
Analysis. Jonathan Iwegbu believes that he was unbelievably lucky to have survived the recent Nigerian Civil war, along with his wife and three of his four children. He's also happy that he still has his bicycle, although that's not as important, of course, as his own or his family's lives. Immediately, the story alerts readers to the ...
Civil Peace by Chinua Achebe Plot Summary
Civil Peace Summary. "Civil Peace" takes place in southern Nigeria, shortly after the end of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), in which the state of Biafra failed in its attempt to secede and which has devastated the country. A man named Jonathan Iwegbu has survived the war along with his wife, Maria and three of his four children.
Civil Peace Essays and Criticism
Source: Susan Sanderson, Critical Essay on ''Civil Peace,'' in Short Stories for Students, The Gale Group, 2001. Sanderson holds a master of fine arts degree in fiction writing and is an ...
Civil Peace Study Guide
Historical Context of Civil Peace. Achebe wrote "Civil Peace" shortly after the end of the Nigerian Civil War, a conflict that lasted from 1967 to 1970 in which the state of Biafra, predominantly populated by the minority Igbo ethnic group, attempted to secede from the rest of Nigeria. Achebe himself was a member of the Igbo people and was ...
Civil Peace Analysis
The setting of ''Civil Peace'' is Enugu, the former capital of Biafra (eastern Nigeria) and the surrounding countryside. ... writers and academics from around the world contributed essays ...
Civil Peace Summary and Study Guide
Summary: "Civil Peace". "Civil Peace" is a 1971 short story by Chinua Achebe, one of Africa's most prominent authors and often considered the father of the modern African novel. The story explores the period that followed the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War (1967-1970). The Igbo people of southeast Nigeria wanted ...
Civil Peace Story Analysis
Analysis: "Civil Peace". "Civil Peace" portrays the uneasy peace that followed the Nigerian Civil War. Achebe narrates the story from the perspective of ordinary people and victims of the war, allowing them to speak and tell their stories. Jonathan Iwegbu considers his condition "happy survival" because he still has his spouse and ...
Civil Peace
In "Civil Peace," Achebe celebrates the uncelebrated heroes of a war, the ones who come back to their homes and try to pick up the pieces of a shattered nation, one small affirmative act at a time. Source: Susan Sanderson, Critical Essay on "Civil Peace," in Short Stories for Students, The Gale Group, 2001. Sources
Civil Peace Summary & Complete Study Guide
Background of the Story. "Civil Peace" was written by a Nigerian novelist, poet and critic Chinua Achebe in 1971. He is best known for his work Things Fall Apart. He mostly wrote about the devastating colonialism of Britain and the repercussions of War.
Civil Peace Critical Essays
Critical Overview. PDF Cite Share. ''Civil Peace'' was first published in the Nigerian journal Okike in 1971, and it was collected in the volume Girls at War and Other Stories, published ...
Civil Peace
Civil Peace is a 1971 short story by Chinua Achebe. It is about the effects of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) on the people and the "civil peace" that followed. Plot summary. The story starts off in eastern Nigeria after the civil war has ended. The protagonist, Jonathan Iwegbu, was able to keep his bicycle, which he turns into a taxi to ...
Civil Peace Essay Topics
Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of "Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Peace in Civil Society: [Essay Example], 479 words GradesFixer
Peace in Civil Society. Civil peace, the state of harmony and stability among individuals and communities, is a crucial goal for societies recovering from conflict. In Chinua Achebe's "Civil Peace," the protagonist, Jonathan Iwegbu, embodies the spirit of civil peace as he navigates post-civil war Nigeria with resilience and optimism.
The civil peace
Abstract. 'The civil peace' describes a type of peace that is based on the idea that every person in society has the ability to mobilize for peace from a number of different perspectives which could be disarmament, international cooperation, or an aversion to violence, discrimination, or oppression. This peace can arise from localized ...
Opinion
In the first two months of 2024, Mr. Trump was hit with more than half a billion dollars in judgments in civil cases — around $450 million in the civil fraud case brought by the New York ...
Civil Peace Summary
Summary. PDF Cite Share. ''Civil Peace'' opens in eastern Nigeria after the civil war has ended. Jonathan Iwegbu considers himself and his family lucky. He, his wife, Maria, and three of ...
Civil Peace Themes
War and Peace. Chinua Achebe's "Civil Peace" begins with the main character, Jonathan, expressing his joy about the end of the Nigerian civil war, which raged from 1967 to 1970 between Nigeria and a failed secessionist state called Biafra. The cost of the war was terrible, illustrated by the fact that Jonathan feels lucky to have lost ...
5 Takeaways From Nikole Hannah-Jones's Essay on 'Colorblindness' and
Civil rights leaders used the idea of colorblindness to challenge racial apartheid laws and policies, but over the last 50 years, conservatives have successfully co-opted both the rhetoric and the ...
Voices for Liberties Papers on Freedom of Speech, Civil Rights, and
The Liberty & Law Center's Voices for Liberty Initiative examines this intersection, considering the role free speech has played and continues to play in advancing civil rights in America ...
Civil Peace Themes
Discussion of themes and motifs in Chinua Achebe's Civil Peace. eNotes critical analyses help you gain a deeper understanding of Civil Peace so you can excel on your essay or test.
The 'Colorblindness' Trap: How a Civil Rights Ideal Got Hijacked
How a civil rights ideal got hijacked. Supported by The fall of affirmative action is part of a 50-year campaign to roll back racial progress. By Nikole Hannah-Jones Nikole Hannah-Jones is a staff ...
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by Chinua Achebe

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Civil Peace Summary

Background of the Story

Characters Analysis

Maria Iwegbu

Thief Leader

The Army Officer

Thief Chorus

Themes in Civil Peace

God, Optimism and Resilience

Legacy of Colonialism

Untrustworthy Authority, Law and Justice

Work Ethic and Struggle

Literary Analysis

Significance of the Title

Jonathan’s Bicycle

Literary devices

Personification

Metaphors and Similes

Genre & Tone

Point of View

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Civil Peace

War and Peace

Optimism and Faith

Authority, Corruption, and Self-reliance

Money and Survival

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