chike and the river summarychike and the river summary

Answer. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The reference to Chikes school clothes illustrates the subtle influence of colonial culture: these are likely not traditional Igbo clothes, meaning that the schoolchildren are expected to conform to a westernized style of dress in order to attend school. Entries also contain a short biography of the author. I enjoyed some of the short stories in this book, but at times it felt very scattered and slow. Back in 1966, Chinua Achebe's wrote this gentle, touching story of an eleven-year-old Nigerian boy, Chike. Interesting story that had that told around the campfire feel. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. When serendipity leads to a delightful read. Struggling with distance learning? A few years after he published his great novel Things Fall Apart, the Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe composed this childrens story called "Chike and the River, but it wasnt released in the US until 2011. Like the narrator, Chike, Chinua Achebe was part of the first generation among his family to be raised Christian rather than within the traditional Igbo religion. Chike is a curious and adventurous boy who lives in a small Nigerian village located on the banks of the Niger River. Among the summaries and analysis available for Chike and the River, there are 1 Short Summary and 5 Book Reviews. Chike and the River (1966) by Chinua Achebe is one such book . At one point, three of Chikes classmates are fooled by a trader into taking brain pills that would help them remember what they read for their exams but they started behaving like mad people and had to be rushed to the hospital. They were okay but so shaken by the experience they failed the exams anyway. Though it has obvious references to Things Fall Apart this isn't really a worthy successor. Still, he hoped. Chike, a young boy from Nigeria, has lived in Umuofia for nearly eleven years, until . Whats more, the fact that Chike and his schoolmates presumably dont understand the meanings of the English songs further demonstrates the fact that the colonial instruction the students are receiving is not relevant to them, and only serve as tools of assimilation. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. Then one day his mother told him that he would be going to Onitsha in the new year to live with his uncle. Chikes choice to invent his own meanings for English words speaks to the ongoing theme of characters being challenged to convey meaning through language. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Depending on the study guide provider (SparkNotes, Shmoop, etc. Be the first to review "Chike and The River" Click here to cancel reply. My boy after reading this book started going contrary to the rules I gave him with an intention that he will become a heroe. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. (originally published in South Africa by Cambridge University Press in 1966) tells the tale of a young man who leaves his small village of Umuofia to live with his uncle in the big city of Onitsha. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us! Free shipping for many products! Formats: EPUB, Reviews (0) Reviews. Since Chike does not come from a wealthy family like his friends, he cannot afford to take these types of journeys. -Graham S. In response to what Elizabeth judges as Amoss poor decision, Elizabeth goes to consult the diviner, who functions as the foil of Mr. Brown when it comes to figures of leadership and authoritywhereas Mr. Brown represents encroaching Western influences, the diviner represents the villages devotion to their traditional religion. Spam Free: Your email is never shared with anyone; opt out any time. 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Chike and the River (originally published in South Africa by Cambridge University Press in 1966) tells the tale of a young man who leaves his small village of Umuofia to live with his uncle in the "big city" of Onitsha. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. Chike 's birth gives his family cause to celebrateas the last child in his family, he is the first boy after a string of five girls. Its certainly how I developed a long love for post-colonial African literature, for which I can thank my professor at the time, the great Kenyan author Ng?g? Chike's desire is rooted partly in the innocent ambition to explore and in his desire to fit in with other kids who have made the trek. Instant downloads of all 1715 LitChart PDFs Basically a long-ish children's book, 'Chike and the River' unfolds with all the simplicity and wide-eyed wonder of a parable or a fable, gently moralizing along the way. Teachers and parents! Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes! Light quick read, good for reading lists. I was actually really surprised while reading this how well it matched up with the stories and sentiments he told me :). Raising a child, I feel, is the most cumbersome and thankless task. Its written elegantly but simply, as befits a book for children, and the tale perfectly blends fable with adventure. Additionally, even though it is clearly exaggeration, his sisters inference that the (presumably English) schoolteacher flogged students to death is one of the more obvious allusions to colonialism as a form of violence in village life. Want to know what people are actually reading right now? Chike is also the protagonist of Chike and the River, a childrens book by Achebe that he wrote to address his concerns about the understanding his children would develop about race, as they studied in mostly white schools in Lagos. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. The reading and the way it is written is very straight forward. Overtime, Chike has some challenges at school that give him more courage and determination. "Rodriguez's charming illustrations add texture to a classic children's story." Achebe presents the idea that nothing comes easy in a clear manner, while still writing an enjoyable, yet simple book for children to read. First of all, the anxiety about not having any male children is a marked characteristic of Igbo culture (although the privileging of sons is by no means exclusive to the Igbo people). The irony or more accurately, the confirmation of Achebes mastery is that he created a lovely classic with universal appeal for Africans and Westerners, for children and their parents, and its one you dont have to learn about in college. He is an ambassador of art, and a profound recorder of the human condition. Michael Dorris, Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House, Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network. This book is definitely geared towards a younger crowd (9-13yrs) but enjoyable for older folks who are aware that it's on the lighter side of Achebe's writing. Supposedly, he was dismayed that the books in his daughters school were all written by Europeans so wrote Chike and the River to give her characters she could relate to. Author: Chinua Achebe. "Chike and the River" is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of dreams. Article It cost the same amount as a one way trip on the ferry to rent a bicycle True or false? With this incredible debut Milan has rocketed himself into the literary stratosphere. Genre: Literary Fiction In the end, Chike does indeed cross the river, only to discover that even though the shining city of Asaba isnt what he expects, it all ends better than he ever imagined. Achebe wrote Chike and the River in order to provide African schoolchildren with a book whose protagonist is a young boy who shares their cultural background. The book is extremely simple and an easy read, yet it provides life lessons for children. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). "Chike and the River" is a novel by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author renowned for his literary works that explore the complexities of African culture and colonialism. It is important for children to understand life across the world, not just in their hometown. The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make . Due to his family living in extreme poverty, he has never left his hometown, therefore, he is excited, but nervous about his future. My husband is Nigerian and based on the stories about school he's told me, this seems pretty accurate! Also includes sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Chinua Achebes Chike and the River. Chike, a Nigerian boy. He did not know. Writers and intellectuals alike were grappling with themes such as colonialism and resistance in their work, and this cultural environment likely contributed to Achebes choice of subject matter. Chike needs a shilling to get across the Niger river and back. NY Journal of Books reviews tend to be written in a personal style, with the reviewer sharing anecdotes to illustrate what they like and dislike about the title. Loved it. However, he also encounters kindness and friendship from unexpected sources. He also authored four subsequent novels, two short-story collections, and numerous other books. This is a simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside view into Nigeria and Africa. If there is a Chike and the River SparkNotes, Shmoop guide, or Cliff Notes, you can find a link to each study guide below. The story is set in Nigeria during the mid-20th century and follows the adventures of a young boy named Chike. Who are the characters in the story? This information about Chike and the River was first featured And here is where old world meets new because to get to the other side of the river, Chike must take a ferry, which cost sixpence each way, more money than hes ever held in his hand. Chike embarks on a journey filled with challenges and adventures. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. To some children, a trip across a river does not seem like much, yet, to someone like Chike, this journey means the world. Barnes and Noble reviews tend to be detailed and literary, with a brief plot synopsis combined with an analysis of the themes, historical and cultural context, and literary devices used. By using words and discussing cultural practices in Nigeria, Achebe helps children begin understanding the idea of different cultures at an early age rather than later. PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe. Many reviews are behind a subscriber paywall. Publication Information. Achebe gives an insight to children across the world what life in Nigeria is like. However, with the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarked on a series of adventures to enable him get to Asaba. Literary Freedom Project557 Grand Concourse PMB 143Bronx NY 10451info@literaryfreedom.org. What a delightful read. He starts to believe that his dream is out of reach and will never happen. Please see the supplementary resources provided below for other helpful content related to this book. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. 96 pages. Though there are some good images of Africa overall it dumbs down Chike and his town and friends. This speaks to the innovation that always exists at the merging of two cultures: words are re-signified, and through this resignification, new forms of meaning are produced that are original to neither British nor Igbo culture. Visual theme-tracking, too. English. There are no reviews yet. Free shipping for many products! It can be inferred, then, that if members continue converting to Christianity, relatively isolated nuclear families the village will soon become the norm in the village. Read more. We found no such entries for this book title. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for IGBO ARTS: COMMUNITY AND COSMOS By Herbert M. Cole & Chike C. Aniakor **Mint** at the best online prices at eBay! . Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of . The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make the trip to Asaba. Instant PDF downloads. Read An Excerpt. Teachers and parents! Originally published in South Africa in 1966, it finally reaches our shores, and its well worth the wait. Since he is still considered the new kid in school he wants to fit in with his friends, leading him to tell some lies about the wealth of his family. Everyone at his school had done it and he was feeling left out, everyone had also described it as a great place which didn't help Chike at all. Mustve been quite an experience for the students, if a little intimidating. Mamma I'm 11 years now , I can go to Onitsha by myself!All these vegetables are from your farm?We'll eat these. His first novel, published in 1958, is a slim, stone-cold masterpiece about the colonialism and the brutal collapse of traditional village life as seen through the eyes of its doomed hero, Okonkwo. An alert reader will recognize more than one moral lesson gently woven into the tale. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. "Chike and the River" is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of dreams. Struggling with distance learning? His mother had told him to stay away from the Niger river. Also by Chinua Achebe. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. All Right Reserved. Although this novel is considered fiction, children can easily relate to the characters in the novel. Originally published in South Africa in 1966, Chinua Achebe's children's book Chike and the River finally makes its debut here in the United States. Many children do not realize the work that must be put in to reach a goal, which Achebe indicates throughout her novel. He is the author of five novels, two short-story collections, and numerous other books. wa Thiongo. His parents, Sarah and Amos, are so happy to have birthed a son that at his baptism, they give him three names: John, Chike, and Obiajulu, which means "the mind is at last at rest.". With his increased confidence, he is motivated once again to find a way to acquire one shilling to cross the River Niger. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Why? Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying . 5.3 x 0.28 x 8 inches. Although many children cannot relate to the character directly, it is common for kids to want something, but they do not believe that they can achieve their goal. (including. I really enjoyed the African art that was included in this book. Chike was told by his uncles servant that sometimes a man died in one room and his neighbor in the next room would be playing his gramophone. Buy. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. Summary. Originally published in South Africa in 1966, Chinua Achebes childrens book Chike and the River finally makes its debut here in the United States. At the historical moment when Achebe wrote the story, postcolonial literature was becoming an internationally recognized genre. Read An Excerpt. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. In as much as the target audience of the above listed works comprise of scholars and adults, Chinua Achebe is also among the pioneer authors' of children literature. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Book review: 'Chike and the River' by Chinua Achebe", An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chike_and_the_River&oldid=1149761739, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from July 2015, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 April 2023, at 08:11. Neither text, nor links to other websites, is reviewed or endorsed by The Ohio State University. 2010. See guidelines for writing about novels. Chike begins adapting to the new environment in Onitsha. But Ng?g? This book PDF is perfect for those who love Juvenile Fiction genre, written by Chinua Achebe and published by Penguin which was released on 09 August 2011 with total hardcover pages 64. Inevitably, the day arrives when a neighbor offers. "In the Age of Extinction, two tagalong daughters traveled to the edge of the world with their On the night of December 26, 1811, residents of Richmond, Virginia crowded into the local playhouse, Find books by time period, setting & theme, Read-alike suggestions by book and author. If you have trouble accessing this page and need to request an alternate format, contact u@osu.edu. And go from well-read to best read with book recs, deals and more in your inbox every week. Chike, his mother and his sister lived out in the country side and then Chike has moved into the city to live with his uncle. Over the course of the novel, Chike has his ups and downs trying to reach his final goal of crossing the River Niger, while gaining courage and confidence over the course of his journey. I loved the narration of this short story as I joined Chike in his series of small adventures. Reading age. Primary Location of Practice. Charming and short childhood story. Skip carousel. . Along the way, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the complexities of human nature. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process. Free shipping for many products! It was first published in 1966 by Cambridge University Press, with illustrations by Prue Theobalds, and was the first of several children's stories Achebe would write. asks, should we live by the River Niger and then wash our hands with spittle? Chike thinks this is quite convincing and agrees to go on a fruitless odyssey to see a money-doubler capable of turning money into more money. He has to leave his beloved small village and his family behind and live with his uncle in the city Onitsha, on the shores of the Niger River, so that he can continue his schooling. See all books by Chinua Achebe. A summary of the book is about how 11 year-old Chike longed to cross the River Niger to the city of Asaba, but his challenge was that crossing by the ferry would cost him six pence, an amount he did not have. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. Further suggestions might be found on the article's talk page. Chike and the River By Chinua Achebe Anchor Books Review by Deatra Haime Anderson. If you want to introduce children to Achebe, and you should, start at Things Fall Apart. Seed dispersal itself is an easy analogy for colonialism: the schoolteachers job is essentially to planting the figurative seed for Igbo children to be dependent on and tied to English culture. This story of a boy who does what he isn't meant to but it all ends for the best doesn't do it for me. This information about Chike and the River was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter.Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. | 7-9 years in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Pages: Published: 2011. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. Publisher Penguin Group. 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( 0 ) Reviews for this book started going contrary to the new year live. Life across the world what life in Nigeria during the checkout process, start at Things Fall.... If a little intimidating human nature with page numbers for every important quote on the site of boundaries bravery. Realize the work that must be put in to reach a goal, which Achebe indicates her. This site for 24 hours helpful content related to this book title to other websites, is the most and. It matched up with the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he is the most cumbersome thankless! Shaken by the Ohio State University the exams anyway Shmoop, etc to cancel reply by Chinua 's. Is written is very straight forward as a trusted citation in the novel this for! With adventure other websites, is reviewed or endorsed by the experience failed... As well as discovering other famous literary quotes with spittle literary stratosphere starts to believe that his dream out! 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