No Longer at Ease

In Chinua Achebe's No Longer at ease Obi Okonkwo is a Nigerian man who gains a scholarship from the U.P.U to study in England. Upon his return to Africa he is confronted with the corruption that exist within the Nigerian government. In this essay I will look at the conflict that exist within Obi after he accepts his first bribe. Also there will be looked at how the guilt that Obi experiences because he is caught between two worlds, impacts said conflict within him. Furthermore I with look at how his relationship with Clara impacts and causes further trouble with the ultimatum his mother poses for him. Lastly I with look at how the West represent by his studies in England and his native home land of Nigeria collide and how it creates turmoil for him.
Corruption and bribery have long been problem not only in Nigeria but in Africa as a hole. With people concealing their connections for the sake of political and financial. Achebe’s socio-political commentary as been apparent not only in No Longer at Ease but also Things Fall Apart. With Okonkwo also being confronted with the conflict of change and tradition. In Obi’s case his ideological view seems to keep him track with him denying the bribe at first but caving in later and then falling in a downward spiral from there onwards. This could be Achebe’s way of letting us as readers just see, how even if you are a just and upright person corruption and evil also seem to invade you. This could also be shown with how Achebe’s opens the novel. Starting on a very negative note with Obi’s trail. This could then be Achebe’s way of telling us as readers that Obi is doomed even before we are properly introduced to him. Obi like many black Africans who have had an opportunity to get out of their community and actually experience the world has an inner conflict.

He on the on hand has his traditions that are competing with is one true love Clara. With her being labelled as an outcast making it virtually impossible for Obi to