Achebe's interview

1) What was the most meaningful takeaway from today’s discussion relating to the cultural or literary context of Achebe’s work? 

      Today's biggest takeaway was that Achebe's origins do not compare with any other writer, as he has faced a different test of his hardship and has fought by doing what he knows best, writing. His book "Things Fall Apart" was an inspirational piece done in the times where his country was fighting against people who thought of him as slaves, he did this by reminding the people of what had happened sparking anger in those who were able to read.

2) Select a specific quote from the interview or a general idea from the discussion and write a brief reflection.

         The question " You mentioned that literature was used to justify slavery and imperialism. What is this negative coverage of Africa being used to justify now?"

     Achebe's reply to this question stated that is that it will justify inaction, he follows this up by "Why bother about Africa? Nothing works there, or nothing ever will work. There is a small minority of people who think that way, and they may be pushing this attitude." 

I believe that what Achebe has stated is his belief of his work having a negative influence over the people after the uprising. Achebe states that there would be many Africans who would have grown accustomed to the style of living and reject his idea in the book.