"Civil Peace" is a short story written by Chinua Achebe, a renowned Nigerian writer and one of Africa's most celebrated authors. The story was first published in 1971 as part of a collection of short stories titled "Girls at War and Other Stories."
The narrative is set in post-civil war Nigeria, a period marked by the Biafran War (1967–1970). The protagonist, Jonathan Iwegbu, is a man who has miraculously survived the conflict. Despite the devastation of war, he considers himself fortunate and even names his newfound peace "civil peace."
In the aftermath of the war, the country is in a state of disarray, and many people are struggling to rebuild their lives. Jonathan, however, is remarkably optimistic and resourceful. He returns to his hometown, Enugu, to find that his house, though damaged, is still standing. He discovers a bicycle buried in the rubble, which he sees as a symbol of hope and possibility.
Jonathan is a practical and enterprising man. He decides to turn his bicycle into a taxi service, using it as a means to earn a living for himself and his family. His resourcefulness and positive outlook on life are evident as he makes the best of the challenging post-war circumstances.
Despite the challenges, Jonathan is determined to rebuild and move forward. The story explores themes of resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit's ability to find hope even in the face of adversity. "Civil Peace" reflects Achebe's keen insight into the complexities of post-colonial Africa and the individual stories that emerge from a nation's collective struggle for recovery and reconstruction.
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