The title A Man of the People

“A man of the people” (1966)

The title A Man of the People

v  Importance of title in Achebe’s novel:-

            The title of a work of art is like a sign-board of a shop a signboard indicates the nature and contents of a business. In the same way the title of a literary work indicates its theme the titles of hinua Achebe novels are highly suggestive and meaningful. The title of his four major novels things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God and A Man of the People reveal the themes of the novels. For example, in Arrow of God Ezeulu is an obstinate old priest. The people oppose him because he tries to wound their feelings by meddling with the natural rhythm of season. Here the title suggests that there is gods role in the action of the novel. Ezeulu is punished in the end by his own deity. Who is loyal to the mass, not to an individual because no individual is greater than his people.

v  A man of the people; Ironic Title

            In A Man of the People, Nanga assumes the title Achebe ironically portrays him as a corrupt politician who is interested in the greater share of the national cake. Further he steals else Odili’s girl friend offers six girls at the same evening to Odili and yet he calls himself ironically minister a  ulture which is quite ridiculous here Achebe remarks.  “Just think of such a man going abroad and calling himself minister of culture. This is why the outside  would laugh at us”  The same iron is against the high minded odili who is a petty opportunist. He enters into  politics only to take revenge on Nanga and for personal gain.

v  Political Spectrum

            In this novel Nanga represents one of the political spectrums. Aim of his role is to retain his power. Though he makes a show of genuine sympathy and close relationship with the people but he is ironically called so. There is an ironic half truth in it because Nanga is sensitive to the demands of his people and he asserts that he represents government of the people by the people and for the people. This suggests leadership but actually it is not so. He is not what he appears to be. This dual personality deceives the common ignorant mass. Thus, neither Nangas nor Odili is the man of the people. Achebe is the man of the people in reality. He represents the voice the suppressed and oppressed Nigerians who suffer at the hands of such selfish and cunning politicians.

v  Importance of ‘Nanga- Man of the people’.

            In a discussion with an interviewer Achebe pointed out, “Nanga is very important he is the only character who has the title of the book. He is very clever and  cunning. He knows what he wants to do in a way. It is the tragedy of our situation. Nanga uses such  devices to destroy the Society” Like Ezeulu in Arrow of God, he does not use them to save the system. He applies them in a very narrow, selfish way those may be the worst consequence of colonization that one is utterly alternated from his community. The leader is not a leader if his people. He is totally an alien the matters of interests concerns and comforts of his people that way Achebe point out. “The separation of the leader from those he leads is perhaps the greatest evil”

Thus, the title A Man of the People is quit meaningful and suggestive.