"Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe is a short story about a man named Jonathan Iwegbu, who lives in Nigeria shortly after the country's civil war. The story centers around Jonathan's struggle to rebuild his life and provide for his family in the aftermath of the war.
At the beginning of the story, we see Jonathan as a resourceful and determined man who is able to find small ways to make money in the chaotic post-war environment. He scavenges for metal to sell, grows a small garden, and even manages to find a job as a night watchman. Despite these successes, Jonathan is constantly faced with challenges and dangers as he tries to make a living. He is robbed of his metal at gunpoint, and his garden is frequently raided by thieves.
Despite these setbacks, Jonathan remains optimistic and determined to succeed. He is a man of great faith, and he takes comfort in his belief that things will eventually get better. He is also deeply grateful for the small victories he achieves, such as being able to afford a bicycle to make his commute to work easier.
One of the most poignant aspects of the story is the contrast between Jonathan's humble and hardworking nature, and the greed and corruption of those around him. We see this most clearly in the character of the soldier who tries to extort money from Jonathan in exchange for not stealing from his garden. Jonathan refuses to pay, and the soldier ends up stealing from him anyway. This encounter serves as a reminder of the difficult and often unfair circumstances that Jonathan and his fellow Nigerians face in the aftermath of the war.
Despite these challenges, Jonathan remains resilient and determined to create a better life for himself and his family. He refuses to let the difficult circumstances around him break his spirit, and instead focuses on finding ways to make a living and provide for his loved ones.
Overall, "Civil Peace" is a powerful and thought-provoking story about the strength of the human spirit and the resilience of the human soul. It is a poignant reminder of the difficulties that people can face in the aftermath of war, and the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
