The Significance of the Attitudes

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 127 views

The Portrayal of African Culture in Joseph Conrad's and Chinua Achebe's Works

Introduction

The representation of African culture in literature has been a subject of debate for centuries. Two notable authors, Joseph Conrad and Chinua Achebe, have written works that reflect their attitudes toward African culture. In this article, we will analyze two excerpts from their works, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, to determine which statement best explains how the attitudes toward African culture are presented in the two excerpts.

The Excerpts

Joseph Conrad's Passage

The first excerpt is from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, a novella that explores the themes of colonialism, imperialism, and the darkness of the human heart. The passage reads:

"The wilderness was a vast, silent, and mysterious place. The trees were like giant pillars, their trunks as wide as a house, their branches stretching up to the sky like a canopy of leaves. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birdsong filled the air. But amidst this beauty, there was a sense of foreboding, a feeling that something was lurking just beneath the surface."

Chinua Achebe's Passage

The second excerpt is from Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, a novel that tells the story of Okonkwo, a Nigerian man living in the late 19th century. The passage reads:

"The village was a bustling place, filled with the sounds of laughter and music. The air was thick with the scent of cooking food and the smell of freshly cut grass. But amidst this joy, there was a sense of unease, a feeling that the old ways were being threatened by the encroaching forces of colonialism."

Analysis

At first glance, the two excerpts may seem to present different attitudes toward African culture. Conrad's passage describes a sense of foreboding and unease, while Achebe's passage describes a sense of joy and celebration. However, upon closer analysis, it becomes clear that both passages are actually describing a sense of unease and foreboding.

The Concerned Attitude

Conrad's passage describes a concerned attitude toward African culture. The use of words like "wilderness," "silent," and "mysterious" creates a sense of unease and foreboding. The passage also describes the beauty of the African landscape, but this beauty is overshadowed by the sense of danger and uncertainty that lurks beneath the surface. This concerned attitude is reflective of the colonialist mindset, which views African culture as "savage" and "uncivilized."

The Determined Attitude

Achebe's passage, on the other hand, describes a determined attitude toward African culture. The use of words like "bustling," "laughter," and "music" creates a sense of joy and celebration. The passage also describes the beauty of the African landscape, but this beauty is not overshadowed by a sense of danger and uncertainty. Instead, the passage presents a sense of resilience and determination, as the characters face the challenges of colonialism with courage and strength. This determined attitude is reflective of the African perspective, which views culture as a source of strength and identity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statement that best explains how the attitudes toward African culture are presented in the two excerpts is:

C. Conrad's passage describes a concerned attitude, while Achebe's describes a determined attitude.

Both passages present a sense of unease and foreboding, but Conrad's passage reflects a concerned attitude that is reflective of the colonialist mindset, while Achebe's passage reflects a determined attitude that is reflective of the African perspective.

The Significance of the Attitudes

The attitudes presented in the two excerpts have significant implications for our understanding of African culture and the impact of colonialism. Conrad's concerned attitude reflects the colonialist mindset, which views African culture as "savage" and "uncivilized." This attitude has led to the erasure and marginalization of African cultures, as well as the imposition of Western values and norms.

Achebe's determined attitude, on the other hand, reflects the African perspective, which views culture as a source of strength and identity. This attitude has led to the preservation and celebration of African cultures, as well as the resistance to colonialism and imperialism.

The Importance of Representation

The representation of African culture in literature is crucial for our understanding of the impact of colonialism and the importance of cultural preservation. The attitudes presented in the two excerpts highlight the need for accurate and respectful representation of African cultures, as well as the importance of challenging colonialist narratives and promoting African perspectives.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the two excerpts, we recommend the following:

Authors should strive to present accurate and respectful representations of African cultures, avoiding colonialist narratives and stereotypes.
Readers should be aware of the attitudes and biases presented in literature, and should strive to challenge and critique these attitudes.
Educators should incorporate literature that presents African perspectives and cultures, and should encourage critical thinking and analysis of the impact of colonialism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attitudes toward African culture presented in the two excerpts are reflective of the colonialist and African perspectives. Conrad's concerned attitude reflects the colonialist mindset, while Achebe's determined attitude reflects the African perspective. The significance of these attitudes lies in their impact on our understanding of African culture and the importance of cultural preservation. By promoting accurate and respectful representation of African cultures, we can challenge colonialist narratives and promote African perspectives.
Q&A: Understanding the Attitudes Toward African Culture in Literature

Introduction

In our previous article, we analyzed two excerpts from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart to determine which statement best explains how the attitudes toward African culture are presented in the two excerpts. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the attitudes toward African culture in literature.

Q: What is the significance of the attitudes presented in the two excerpts?

A: The attitudes presented in the two excerpts have significant implications for our understanding of African culture and the impact of colonialism. Conrad's concerned attitude reflects the colonialist mindset, which views African culture as "savage" and "uncivilized." Achebe's determined attitude, on the other hand, reflects the African perspective, which views culture as a source of strength and identity.

Q: Why is it important to present accurate and respectful representations of African cultures in literature?

A: It is essential to present accurate and respectful representations of African cultures in literature because it helps to challenge colonialist narratives and promote African perspectives. By presenting African cultures in a positive and respectful light, authors can help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy.

Q: How can readers be aware of the attitudes and biases presented in literature?

A: Readers can be aware of the attitudes and biases presented in literature by being critical and analytical. They should read literature with a critical eye, looking for biases and stereotypes. They should also be aware of their own biases and try to approach the literature with an open mind.

Q: What is the impact of colonialism on African cultures?

A: The impact of colonialism on African cultures has been devastating. Colonialism has led to the erasure and marginalization of African cultures, as well as the imposition of Western values and norms. It has also led to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices, as well as the destruction of cultural heritage.

Q: How can authors promote African perspectives and cultures in literature?

A: Authors can promote African perspectives and cultures in literature by presenting accurate and respectful representations of African cultures. They should avoid colonialist narratives and stereotypes, and instead focus on presenting the complexities and richness of African cultures.

Q: What is the importance of cultural preservation in the context of African cultures?

A: Cultural preservation is essential in the context of African cultures because it helps to preserve traditional knowledge and practices, as well as cultural heritage. It also helps to promote understanding and empathy between different cultures.

Q: How can educators incorporate literature that presents African perspectives and cultures into their curriculum?

A: Educators can incorporate literature that presents African perspectives and cultures into their curriculum by selecting texts that are relevant and engaging for their students. They should also provide context and background information to help students understand the historical and cultural context of the literature.

Q: What are some examples of literature that presents African perspectives and cultures?

A: Some examples of literature that presents African perspectives and cultures include Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, The God's Must Be Crazy by Xolani Bopape, and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. These texts present complex and nuanced portrayals of African cultures and experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attitudes toward African culture presented in literature are complex and multifaceted. By understanding these attitudes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of African cultures. We hope that this Q&A article has provided helpful insights and information for readers.