Brad Dimock
ENGL. 102-066
April 7, 2008
SWA #10: Topic Proposal Historical/Cultural Analysis
1.) Civil Peace by: Chinua Achebe
2.) The historical/cultural connection I have found to the short story is the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970.
3.) The Link between Civil Peace and the Nigerian Civil War help me understand the reason behind the currencies mentioned throughout the story, based on the information I found on the economic changes made by the Nigerian government during the civil war. The connection also helped me understand the horrific situation the family in the story was in, based on the turmoil resulting from the war. The information on the author Chinua Achebe helped me establish the credibility of the short story and also helped me understand the reason for his interest in the Nigerian Civil War. Chinua Achebe lived through the Nigerian Civil war and worked for the Biafran government.
4.) The theme of this story is the struggles and turmoil the family faces during the end of the Nigerian Civil War. The information I found that about three million people died during the civil war mostly from starvation and disease helps me to understand the theme of the short story.
5.) The part I believe I still need to find is anything on thieves harassing and robbing Nigerian families in the aftermath of the war.
Thesis Statement: The events and aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970 shape the meaning behind the short story “Civil Peace.” The historical ties to the change of currencies, turmoil of the war, and the string of events during the war all shape and provide understanding to the meanings behind the short story.
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Brad, based on the topic proposal as a whole, it looks like you know where you are going. However, your thesis does not really reflect that. Could be more specific about the kinds of problems families faced (make a list for yourself based on your research)? Are all of these problems equally addressed by the author in this story? Which ones get special emphasis? Why? Does the author suggest who is to blame? Basically, you have made your point that like any war that Civil War was horrible. Now it is important to make it clear what specific problems people faced. For example, in war a lot people die, but more often either in combat, or from bombing or attacks of some sorts. Yet, you mention that so many people died… of starvation. How is it important? Does it relate to the title?
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