Anthills of the Savannah

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   jamie-wheeler Teacher
   College - Sophomore

   Anthills, both metaphorically and literally, contain strength and numbers not readily visible on the surface.  In Achebe's novel, a few examples of this truism are the represenations of the power of writers.  Writers are often a force that work below the radar of those in power.  The storyteller is the one who carries the "seed" from one place to another, thus assuring the continuance of the people.  As Ikem says, "it is only the story that can continue beyond the war and the warrior … The story is our escort; without it, we are blind.’’ 

   Another source of unrealized power is the strength of women.  In an anthill, the queen is all-powerful.  Without her, there would be no reason to survive.  Even though the "queen" exists below the surface and is frequently unseen, it is she who perpetuates the race and makes its existence meaningful. 

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/anthills-savannah/themes

   Rate answer:

    

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by jamie-wheeler on Thursday October 11, 2007 at 6:59 PM
   
   

You can now ask questions directly from Facebook, add the Ask a Teacher App from eNotes!