Vocabulary
In the story, Jonathan refers to his family and survival as these.
What are blessings?
The overall message about life and survival in the story.
What is theme?
Jonathan describes his family as his greatest “fortune.” This is an example of—
What is a metaphor?
The name “Civil Peace” is ironic because, on the surface, Nigeria is no longer at war, BUT
but true civil peace doesn’t actually exist for Jonathan or the society around him.
The story takes place after this major historical event.
What is the Nigerian Civil War?
This word means too valuable to measure.
What is inestimable?
Jonathan Iwegbu’s role in the story. (Type of character)
What is the protagonist?
Repeating “Nothing puzzles God” throughout the story emphasizes meaning through—
What is repetition?
or
What is anaphora?
The government issues new money meant to help citizens, but— (why is this ironic)
What is ironic is that it creates new problems and crime?
Jonathan’s phrase “Nothing puzzles God” reflects this cultural value.
➡️ What is religious faith?
This word means open and responsive to suggestion or influence.
What is amenable?
The struggle between Jonathan and the post-war conditions around him. (Type of conflict)
What is external conflict?
or
What is man vs society
The phrase “happy survival” combines conflicting ideas.
What is a paradox?
The thieves politely ask for money instead of using force, though they will absolutely use force.
➡️ What is verbal irony?
Jonathon was given 20 pounds $ for his rebel money in a currency exchange what was it called...
What is his "egg rasher"?
Jonathan’s optimism has this effect on how he responds to hardship.
What is influence?
The story is told from this point of view.
What is third-person limited?
When abstract ideas like luck and fate seem to guide events, Achebe is using—
➡️ What is personification?
A type of spoken irony where you say the opposite of what you think...
The thieves calling themselves “ex-combatants” reflects—
What is the lasting impact of war on society?
A sudden and unexpected gain, like Jonathan’s bicycle.
What is a windfall?
Achebe’s use of Jonathan’s thoughts and beliefs to reveal his values.
What is characterization?
Language that appeals to the reader’s emotions about suffering after war.
What is imagery?
Why Jonathon counts the egg-rasher as "nothing?"
What is he knows there are greater things in life to gain or lose than money?
Achebe shows survival is valued over wealth, reflecting this cultural virtue.
➡️ What is resilience?