It cost the same amount as a one way trip on the ferry to rent a bicycle True or false? Light quick read, good for reading lists. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for IGBO ARTS: COMMUNITY AND COSMOS By Herbert M. Cole & Chike C. Aniakor **Mint** at the best online prices at eBay! are 1 Short Summary and 5 Book Reviews. Who are the characters in the story? All Right Reserved. Seed dispersal itself is an easy analogy for colonialism: the schoolteachers job is essentially to planting the figurative seed for Igbo children to be dependent on and tied to English culture. BuffaloLib's library catalog tends to include a brief plot synopsis and a collection of selected trade reviews for each entry. Almost 20 years later, I can still see him in the room: Quietly intense but with a gentle, encouraging manner, Ng?g? Also by Chinua Achebe. Until then, I and most of classmates knew only Things Fall Apart, by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. Achebe gifts us with a short tale about Chike, a pre-teen, who is fixated on his desire to cross the river on a ferry boat. FreeBookNotes has 10 more books by Chinua Achebe, with a total of 50 study guides. Although this novel is considered fiction, children can easily relate to the characters in the novel. Despite facing various obstacles, including the disapproval of his father, who believes the city is a place of corruption and danger, Chike is determined to fulfill his dream. All of Chikes friends speak of the amazing River Niger and taking the ferries across it to the city of Asaba. Language. Though it has obvious references to Things Fall Apart this isn't really a worthy successor. At one point, three of Chikes classmates are fooled by a trader into taking brain pills that would help them remember what they read for their exams but they started behaving like mad people and had to be rushed to the hospital. They were okay but so shaken by the experience they failed the exams anyway. LitCharts Teacher Editions. He lives with his wife in Providence, Rhode Island. The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in, Language and the Struggle to Create Meaning. Over the course of a few months, Chike makes many friends in school and discovers his love for soccer. who seems wise beyond his years. The writing is child-like and innocent in the best ways possible. Author: If you have trouble accessing this page and need to request an alternate format, contact u@osu.edu. The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order, Books Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Era, Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes, Aug 09, 2011 In addition, the courage that Chike develops over the course of the novel can inspire children to believe in themselves more. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Phone: 519-749-4300 Ext. It also adds complexity to the idea that the social structures of the village are being challengedthe neighbor alludes to the fact that Chike is an Osu, a member of the lowest class. 5.3 x 0.28 x 8 inches. Buy, Aug 09, 2011 This book is definitely geared towards a younger crowd (9-13yrs) but enjoyable for older folks who are aware that it's on the lighter side of Achebe's writing. Therefore, Chike is not only subverting traditional values by not accepting the food of heathens, but is also subverting the hierarchy that exists among castes in the village by asserting himself to a member of a higher social class. Search: Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides. My husband is Nigerian and based on the stories about school he's told me, this seems pretty accurate! Author Chike, a Nigerian boy. He also had another motive: to teach through Chikes story by telling it from the perspective of an adult trying to mold how children should navigate the world; unfortunately, the result is occasionally clumsy and transparent. Although this novel is considered fiction, children can easily relate to the characters in the novel. on August 18, 2020, There are no reviews yet. This gives his fascination with the river an aspect of the elemental, as if here, at least . Fax: 519-749-4455 Electoral District: 03. Want to know what people are actually reading right now? Achebe waved his magic wand and made me feel 8 years old again while reading this charming childrens story. The way the content is organized, A concise biography of Chinua Achebe plus historical and literary context for, In-depth summary and analysis of every of, Explanations, analysis, and visualizations of. However, as a young adult, Achebe became fascinated with forms of African spirituality, and his studies heavily influenced his writing. It was first published in 1966 by Cambridge University Press, with illustrations by Prue Theobalds, and was the first of several children's stories Achebe would write. Back in 1966, Chinua Achebe's wrote this gentle, touching story of an eleven-year-old Nigerian boy, Chike. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. also introduced the class to so many authors mostly ignored by the Western canon: Senegals Ousmene Sembene (whos also a great film director), Ghanas Ayi Kwei Armah, Cameroons Ferdinand Oyono. Most notably, Achebe highlights the absurdity of young Igbo children learning about Julius Caesar, who is irrelevant to young children growing up in 20th-century Nigeria. He dreams of seeing the world beyond his village and experiencing the excitement and opportunities that the city has to offer. At the historical moment when Achebe wrote the story, postcolonial literature was becoming an internationally recognized genre. The tone of the book is rather juvenile, even for a children's story, and the ending ties up all loose ends rather too neatly for my likings. You could read this book directly on your devices with pdf, epub and kindle format, check detail and related Chike and the River books below. CHIKE AND THE RIVER. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Chike becomes determined to take this journey across the river and will do whatever it takes to achieve it, ignoring his mothers advice to stay away from the River Niger. Overtime, Chike has some challenges at school that give him more courage and determination. Supposedly, he was dismayed that the books in his daughters school were all written by Europeans so wrote Chike and the River to give her characters she could relate to. This passage speaks to colonialism as a form of violence. Chike and the River does well in tying in cultural ideas into a story interesting for children. CHIKE AND THE RIVER Chapter 1 Group 1: Kaleo Lyn-Cook Kimani Wilmot Jacquelle Haye Grade 7S Literature Children things have been very hard since your father died.Life on the farm is hard and trading is very slow these days. And though I know the moral tale is a huge part of African lit, at least they usually have some fun with animals that speak and fuck and kill and humans who are evil or beautiful or unbelievably rich. wa Thiongo. However, he switched to English literature while in college, and soon after began to write short stories, many of which took as their theme traditional African spiritualities. An alert reader will recognize more than one moral lesson gently woven into the tale. Its a handsome paperback edition for all ages with woodcut illustrations by Edel Rodriguez, but Achebes reputation and a blurb from. Publisher Penguin Group. It sheds light on the challenges faced by young people growing up in a changing world and provides a nuanced portrayal of Nigerian society during a time of transition. Mamma I'm 11 years now , I can go to Onitsha by myself!All these vegetables are from your farm?We'll eat these. -Graham S. In response to what Elizabeth judges as Amoss poor decision, Elizabeth goes to consult the diviner, who functions as the foil of Mr. Brown when it comes to figures of leadership and authoritywhereas Mr. Brown represents encroaching Western influences, the diviner represents the villages devotion to their traditional religion. The reference to Chikes school clothes illustrates the subtle influence of colonial culture: these are likely not traditional Igbo clothes, meaning that the schoolchildren are expected to conform to a westernized style of dress in order to attend school. Basically a long-ish children's book, 'Chike and the River' unfolds with all the simplicity and wide-eyed wonder of a parable or a fable, gently moralizing along the way. He saves up money by doing odd jobs and eventually convinces his father to allow him to travel to the city. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. Chike makes it his goal to find money to take his journey across the River Niger. This passage suggests that Chike and his sisters are isolated from their community due to their parents Christian beliefs. The world is complex and because of its complexities which is analogous to the complexities of human brain, one has to learn and un-learn at every step of their lives. | 7-9 years 835 King Street West. Why? In the end, Chike does indeed cross the river, only to discover that even though the shining city of Asaba isnt what he expects, it all ends better than he ever imagined. Loved it. This information about Chike and the River was first featured It was just okay. As Chike navigates the unfamiliar and often harsh environment of the city, he is forced to confront his own fears, biases, and limitations. The irony or more accurately, the confirmation of Achebes mastery is that he created a lovely classic with universal appeal for Africans and Westerners, for children and their parents, and its one you dont have to learn about in college. teaching and reminding that all humankind is one. The NationThe father of African literature in the English language and undoubtedly one of the most important writers of the second half of the twentieth century. Caryl Phillips,The ObserverWe are indebted to Achebe for reminding us that art has social and moral dimensiona truth often obscured. Chicago TribuneHe is one of the few writers of our time who has touched us with a code of values that will never be ironic. Michael OndaatjeFor so many readers around the world, it is Chinua Achebe who opened up the magic casements of African fiction. Kwame Anthony Appiah[Achebe] is one of world literatures great humane voices. Times Literary SupplementAchebe is one of the most distinguished artists to emerge from the West African cultural renaissance of the post-war world. The Sunday Times(London)[Achebe is] a powerful voice for cultural decolonization. The Village VoiceChinua Achebe has shown that a mind that observes clearly but feels deeply enough to afford laughter may be more wise than all the politicians and journalists. TimeThe power and majesty of Chinua Achebes work has, literally, opened the world to generations of readers. The Major Themes of Chinua's literarily works Not a One-Hit Wonder. The reading and the way it is written is very straight forward. Chike begins adapting to the new environment in Onitsha. In Indian context, this belief might slightly be different from the belief fed to a child, say, in Nigeria, but in its essence, there are similarities between them. "African literature is incomplete and unthinkable without the works of Chinua Achebe." Achebe wrote Chike and the River in order to provide African schoolchildren with a book whose protagonist is a young boy who shares their cultural background. After finding a sixpence on the ground, he begins searching for a way to double his money to a shilling. As a child, I firmly held on to the belief of a white baby being prized. The notorious S.M.O.G. It is important for children to understand life across the world, not just in their hometown. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. (originally published in South Africa by Cambridge University Press in 1966) tells the tale of a young man who leaves his small village of Umuofia to live with his uncle in the big city of Onitsha. The illustrations in the newer edition are lovely adding a nice playful touch. Chike was told by his uncles servant that sometimes a man died in one room and his neighbor in the next room would be playing his gramophone. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. "In Chike and the River, young readers get an intimate look at African life, learn about the Niger River, and connect with Chike as if he is their. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. In classic Achebe style, proverbs and folktales are peppered throughout the simple but well told story of a boy trying to make his way across the river and ultimately learning sometimes the grass isn't quite as green on the other side as one thought. This is where youll see your current point status and your earned rewards. In short, Achebes book is the kind that your child (and you) will hold onto, in the same way as, say, The Phantom Tollbooth or Anne of Green Gables. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime. In as much as the target audience of the above listed works comprise of scholars and adults, Chinua Achebe is also among the pioneer authors' of children literature. Summary: Chike was keen to visit the River Niger. This article about a Nigerian novel is a stub. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. It was a great story that wasn't too drawn out, but showed than innately we all know the right actions to take in most situations. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Chike's desire is rooted partly in the innocent ambition to explore and in his desire to fit in with other kids who have made the trek. However, he also encounters kindness and friendship from unexpected sources. Still, he hoped.Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesnt have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. This highlights the foreignness of the language theyre required to use in school and invites readers to consider how unnatural it is for children to learn the foreign language of their countrys colonizers at such a young age. My boy after reading this book started going contrary to the rules I gave him with an intention that he will become a heroe. Pages: Published: 2011. 8 - 11 years. Search String: Summary | "Rodriguez's charming illustrations add texture to a classic children's story." Cape Town, Cambridge University Press, In this moment, the students heavy accents betray their inability to discover or create meaning in the English language. It is important for children to understand that they can overcome their challenges and keep going, which Achebe helps promote through this novel. Because English is not Chikes native languagerather, it is imposed on him through colonialismChike is forced to create his own definitions. Through his experiences, Chike gains a deeper understanding of himself, his culture, and the world around him. His parents, Sarah and Amos, are so happy to have birthed a son that at his baptism, they give him three names: John, Chike, and Obiajulu, which means "the mind is at last at rest.". To ride monkey styles ment to ride sitting down True or false? 1,500. Still, he hoped. The Book "Chike and the River" is a novel about a poor boy who grows up in Nigeria and wants to cross the river Niger. This story of a boy who does what he isn't meant to but it all ends for the best doesn't do it for me. He has to leave his beloved small village and his family behind and live with his uncle in the city Onitsha, on the shores of the Niger River, so that he can continue his schooling. becomes a particularly good friend and a constant bad influence. Sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe. "Chike and the River" is a novel by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author renowned for his literary works that explore the complexities of African culture and colonialism. Read An Excerpt. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. - Toni Morrison Instant downloads of all 1715 LitChart PDFs Search the history of over 804 billion Interestingly, Elizabeth chooses to reconvert to her traditional faith, even though the diviners ritual doesnt work. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Achebe perfectly created an enjoyable childrens novel that inspires children to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in their lives. Though there are some good images of Africa overall it dumbs down Chike and his town and friends. Just $45 for 12 months or Fifty translations and 12 million copies later, weve all had to read it in school at some point, and weve all done so happily, too. Children's. Language English. Part escapade, part fable, it is a simple but engaging story of 11-year old Chike who struggles to adapt to city life when he moves from the village of Umuofia . This is a simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside view into Nigeria and Africa. Chike, a young boy from Nigeria, has lived in Umuofia for nearly eleven years, until his mother sends him away to live with his uncle in Onitsha. Whats more, the fact that Chike and his schoolmates presumably dont understand the meanings of the English songs further demonstrates the fact that the colonial instruction the students are receiving is not relevant to them, and only serve as tools of assimilation. Refine any search. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of . I fear sounding glib or obvious, but, really, one of the great things about taking literature courses in college is access to some of the great writers of the world and by that, I mean in person, teaching you in a small seminar room. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Publishers Weekly reviews vary in length, with all focusing on a synopsis of the book and a look at the quality of writing. Chike and the River. Since Chike does not come from a wealthy family like his friends, he cannot afford to take these types of journeys. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Since he is still considered the new kid in school he wants to fit in with his friends, leading him to tell some lies about the wealth of his family. Author: Chinua Achebe. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process. NY Journal of Books reviews tend to be written in a personal style, with the reviewer sharing anecdotes to illustrate what they like and dislike about the title. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying . Short, sweet, and well worth reading. "In the Age of Extinction, two tagalong daughters traveled to the edge of the world with their On the night of December 26, 1811, residents of Richmond, Virginia crowded into the local playhouse, Find books by time period, setting & theme, Read-alike suggestions by book and author. Like the narrator, Chike, Chinua Achebe was part of the first generation among his family to be raised Christian rather than within the traditional Igbo religion. In addition to teaching children to not give up, the novel gives children a look at life in Nigeria. It it arrives at its conclusion a bit too abruptly, there is still a great deal of pleasure to be found in seeing this world through a young boy's eyes. Further suggestions might be found on the article's talk page. Over the course of the novel, Chike has his ups and downs trying to reach his final goal of crossing the River Niger, while gaining courage and confidence over the course of his journey. In Umuofia every thief was known, but here [in Onitsha] even people who lived under the same roof were strangers to one another. It can be inferred, then, that if members continue converting to Christianity, relatively isolated nuclear families the village will soon become the norm in the village. Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe (Children's Classic) One day, Chike becomes fascinated with the idea of crossing the river to the city of Asaba, located on the other side. Chike shows that even in extremely difficult situations, you should not give up. Although he is concerned about the fact that his mother said to stay away from the river, this increases his curiosity even more. Loved it. 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