Civil Peace

Jonathan Iwegbu considers himself "extraordinarily lucky" to have survived the Nigerian Civil War with his wife and three of his four children. He also adores his still-functioning bicycle, which he buried during the war to keep it from being taken. Another apparent miracle is his still-standing home, which he restores and re-inhabits after returning to Enugu, the capital city. To explain both his good and bad fate to himself and others, he frequently uses the slogan "Nothing puzzles God."

Jonathan works hard in the aftermath of the war, starting a cab service on his bicycle and operating a tavern for soldiers. His family follows his lead, prepares food, and gathers fruit for sale. Since the coal mine where Jonathan worked before the war has not reopened, their endurance is critical to ensuring even minor comfort.

Jonathan receives a 20-pound reward one day after turning in rebel cash. He takes precautions to avoid being robbed, recalling a robbery he witnessed some days prior in which a man broke down in public over the indignity.

That night, a bunch of burglars knocks on his house and demands money. Frightened, the family summons the neighbors and the police, but the oppressive quiet that follows reminds them that no one looks out for anyone but themselves. The robbers then taunt them, crying out louder to show how helpless the family is.

The thief leader demands 100 pounds, promising not to harm Jonathan or his family if he cooperates. Jonathan eventually sees their lack of options and pays the robbers 20 pounds in reward money in exchange for leaving the family unharmed. Some thieves insist on searching the house for more, but the thief leader considers Jonathan's possessions as complete.

The next morning, Jonathan and his family return to work as the neighbors arrive. Jonathan explains to his neighbors, perplexed by their ability to dismiss the previous night's situation, that the reward money cannot compare to what he lost in the war. He chooses to concentrate on his task in the present rather than lament what has occurred, because "Nothing puzzles God."

Some Important Questions

1. How does Jonathan change as he experiences the conflicts in his life? Explain.

ans: Jonathan is a dedicated individual who places the greatest value on his hard work and his faith. He is a very positive individual who never loses hope. He has had numerous conflicts in his life. He lost his child during the war, but he considers himself fortunate to have received five invaluable blessings. Jonathan continues to work hard for the sake and well-being of his family while maintaining faith or belief in God. He adapts to the demands of the period and his own family's requirements.

2. What does Jonathan mean by his expression “Nothing puzzles God”? What does this expression reveal about his character? Explain by citing details from the story.

ans: Jonathan uses the phrase "Nothing puzzles God" in the story "Civil Peace" whenever anything extraordinary happens to him. He employs this line when he retrieves his bicycle from the ground in good condition. Next, he uses it when he discovers that his house is still standing after the battle. "Nothing puzzles God" signifies that anything is possible, but Almighty God, being omniscient, is not astonished or confused by anything, implying that God knows everything. The final time he uses it comes at the end of the novel when his family is robbed of the exgratia. This statement indicates that he is an optimistic person who believes in God. He is too excited to receive miracles in his life. This statement also demonstrates that he is a wonderful person who appreciates what he has but never regrets his losses. As a result, his character was positive, hopeful, and pious.

3. The title of the story "Civil Peace" itself is ironic as there is little to differentiate ‘civil peace’ from ‘civil war’. Do you think that the title of this story is appropriate, or would “Civil War” have been a better title? Explain.

ans: The title "Civil Peace" is particularly intriguing because it is used ironically. The story follows Jonathan Iwegbu as he reconstructs his life following the Nigerian Civil War. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a protracted struggle that erupted after a section of Nigeria attempted to secede and form its own country. The conflict causes widespread devastation, and Jonathan does everything he can to rebuild his life. The story's title is paradoxical since, even though the battle has ended, the area remains chaotic and full of violence. When a group of robbers robs Iwegbu and his family in the middle of the night, they utilize the phrase "civil peace". Thus, Achebe uses the title cynically to underline the brutality that persists in postwar Nigeria.