Summary of Civil Peace

Civil Peace is a short story by Chinua Achebe that focuses on survival, resilience, and optimism in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War. The story follows Jonathan Iwegbu, a man who considers himself “extraordinarily lucky” because he survived the war along with his wife and three of his four children. Among the few possessions he values deeply is his bicycle, which he had buried during the war to protect it from being stolen. Another blessing, in his view, is that his house in the city of Enugu is still standing. Jonathan repeatedly explains his good and bad fortune with the phrase, “Nothing puzzles God.”

After the war, Jonathan works tirelessly to rebuild his life. He uses his bicycle to run a small taxi service and later opens a bar that serves soldiers. His family also contributes by cooking food and collecting fruit to sell. Since the coal mine where Jonathan once worked remains closed, this hard work becomes essential for the family’s survival and modest comfort.

One day, Jonathan exchanges rebel money and unexpectedly receives a reward of twenty pounds. Aware of the danger of theft, he is careful with the money, remembering a recent incident where a man was publicly robbed and humiliated.

That same night, a group of thieves arrives at Jonathan’s house demanding money. Terrified, the family calls out for help from neighbors and the police, but no one responds. The silence makes it clear that in the postwar world, people look after only themselves. The thieves mock the family and threaten violence. Their leader demands one hundred pounds but promises to spare the family if Jonathan cooperates.

Realizing he has no choice, Jonathan hands over the twenty pounds he received earlier. Although some thieves want to search the house for more money, the leader believes Jonathan has nothing else and leaves with the money.

The next morning, Jonathan and his family resume their daily work as usual. When neighbors express surprise at his calm reaction, Jonathan explains that the loss of money is insignificant compared to what he survived during the war. He chooses not to dwell on loss but to move forward with gratitude and determination, once again affirming his belief that “Nothing puzzles God.”

Exercise of Civil Peace

Answer the following questions.

a. Why did Jonathan think of himself as ‘extraordinarily lucky’?
Jonathan considered himself extraordinarily lucky because he survived the Nigerian Civil War along with his wife and three of his four children.

b. What are the ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful?
The five blessings are Jonathan’s own life, his wife Maria’s life, and the lives of three of their four children. In other words, he is grateful that five members of his family survived the war.

c. Why did Jonathan mistrust the officer who wanted to take his bicycle? What does this tell you about the situation in Nigeria?
Jonathan mistrusted the officer because he easily accepted a bribe in exchange for letting Jonathan keep his bicycle. This suggests that corruption was widespread in post war Nigeria and that government officials could not be fully trusted.

d. What visitors might be at the door? Are Jonathan and his wife completely surprised? Explain.
The visitors at the door are likely to be thieves. Jonathan and his wife are frightened but not entirely surprised, as theft and violence are common in the unstable conditions after the war.

e. Why does no one in the neighborhood respond when the thieves pound on Jonathan’s door? Why do the thieves call for the police?
No one responds because the neighbors are afraid and prefer to protect themselves rather than get involved. The thieves call for the police mockingly, knowing that no help will actually come.

Reference in the context

a. 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.
By saying “Nothing puzzles God,” Jonathan means that God understands and controls everything, whether good or bad. He uses this expression when he recovers his bicycle, finds his house still standing, and even after losing the reward money. This reveals that Jonathan is optimistic, religious, and accepting of life’s hardships. He focuses on gratitude rather than loss and never complains about his suffering.

b. How does Jonathan change as he experiences the conflicts in his life? Explain.
Jonathan does not change greatly but becomes stronger in his resilience. Despite losing a child and facing poverty and danger, he remains hardworking, hopeful, and faithful. He adapts to new circumstances by finding different ways to earn a living and continues to trust in God.

c. Read the extract and answer the questions below.

i. Who is the speaker?
Jonathan Iwegbu is the speaker.

ii. Who is the speaker talking to?
He is talking to the thieves who have come to rob his house.

iii. Who does “they” refer to?
“They” refers to the government officials who gave Jonathan the twenty pounds as compensation.

d. Nigerian English has words like soja and katakata. What does the author’s use of dialect add to the story?
The use of Nigerian English adds realism and authenticity to the story. It reflects the local culture, speech patterns, and social conditions of Nigeria, helping readers better understand the characters and their environment.

e. Why do you think the thieves who come to rob Jonathan speak English with a heavier African accent than Jonathan does?
The heavier accent emphasizes the social and educational difference between Jonathan and the thieves. It also reinforces realism and highlights the rough and threatening nature of the robbers.

f. The title of the story “Civil Peace” itself is ironical. Do you think the title is appropriate? Explain.
Yes, the title is appropriate because it is ironic. Although the war has ended, violence, fear, and insecurity still exist. The robbery shows that peace is only in name, not in reality. Achebe uses the title to show that post war life can be almost as harsh as wartime.

Reference beyond the text

a. How would you describe the civil peace in Nigeria?
The civil peace in Nigeria appears unstable and unsafe. Although the war has ended, people still face poverty, crime, and fear. Law and order are weak, and ordinary citizens struggle to rebuild their lives amid chaos.

b. What kind of attitude towards life do you think you would have if your situation was similar to that of Jonathan’s?
I would try to adopt an optimistic and hardworking attitude like Jonathan. I would focus on survival, protect my family, trust in God, and face challenges with patience and determination.

c. Draw the character sketch of Jonathan Iwegbu.
Jonathan Iwegbu is an optimistic, resilient, and hardworking man. He values life more than material possessions and does not dwell on past losses. Despite losing a child, his job, and his money, he remains calm and hopeful. He adapts to change, works honestly, and believes strongly in God. His peaceful nature and positive outlook help him survive the harsh realities of post war life.