Civil Peace | Exercise With Summary | Grade 11 | English
0"Civil Peace" Summary: Set in Nigeria during the Biafran Civil War, the story revolves around Jonathan Iwegbu, an ordinary man who, despite the chaos and violence surrounding him, tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in his life. Jonathan, a clerk in a government office, considers himself fortunate to have a job, a wife, and children in a time of widespread suffering. He is grateful for the five blessings in his life: his wife, children, job, and bicycle, which he uses to commute to work. However, his sense of peace is threatened when an army officer attempts to seize his bicycle, a symbol of his independence. This incident highlights the arbitrary nature of power and the erosion of civil rights during wartime. Later, as armed robbers attack his house, Jonathan is forced to confront the harsh realities of civil unrest. He appeals to the thieves, pleading with them to spare his family's lives, revealing his vulnerability and desperation. The story ends with Jonathan's bewildered reflection on the absurdity of civil war and the futility of attempting to find logic in its madness.
Why did Jonathan think of himself as 'extraordinarily lucky'?
Jonathan believed himself to be extraordinarily lucky due to the possession of a government job, a bicycle, a wife, and children—all considered blessings in a time marked by widespread suffering and instability.
What are the ‘five blessings’ for which Jonathan is grateful?
The five blessings Jonathan cherishes are his wife, children, job, bicycle, and the twenty pounds he recently received as his salary. These blessings provide him with a sense of normalcy and security amidst the turmoil of civil war.
Why did Jonathan mistrust the officer who wanted to take his bicycle? What does this tell you about the situation in Nigeria?
Jonathan distrusted the officer's intentions because he recognized that seizing his bicycle could have been an act of arbitrary power and abuse of authority. This incident reflects the breakdown of law and order during the Biafran Civil War, where citizens were vulnerable to exploitation and had little recourse to justice.
What visitors might be at the door? Are Jonathan and his wife completely surprised? Explain.
The visitors at the door are likely to be armed robbers or soldiers, given the chaotic and dangerous circumstances of the civil war. Jonathan and his wife are not completely surprised, as they are aware of the risks and uncertainties that come with living in a war zone.
Why does no one in the neighbourhood respond when the thieves pound on Jonathan’s door? Why do the thieves call for the police?
No one in the neighborhood responds to the thieves' pounding due to the fear and indifference that prevail in the war-torn community. The thieves call for the police as a ruse to lure Jonathan out of the house, demonstrating their cunning and manipulative tactics.
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 the expression "Nothing puzzles God," Jonathan implies that God is aware of and understands even the most chaotic and seemingly inexplicable events, including civil wars and human conflicts. This expression reveals Jonathan's deep faith and belief in a higher power that transcends human understanding.
How does Jonathan change as he experiences the conflicts in his life? Explain.
As Jonathan experiences the conflicts in his life, he transforms from a naïve and optimistic individual to a more cautious and jaded person. The trauma of civil war and the loss of his bicycle and money force him to confront the harsh realities of life and the futility of trying to find logic in the midst of chaos.
Who is the speaker?
The speaker is Jonathan Iwegbu.
Who is the speaker talking to?
The speaker is talking to the thief who is about to enter his house.
Who does “they” refer to?
"They" refers to Jonathan's employers.
What does the author’s use of dialect here add to the story?
The author's use of dialect in the story adds authenticity and realism, as it reflects the way people from different backgrounds speak in Nigeria. It also helps to create a distinct cultural context for the story.
Why do you think the thieves who come to rob Jonathan speak English with a heavier African accent than Jonathan does?
The thieves who come to rob Jonathan may speak English with a heavier African accent than he does to create a sense of otherness and to highlight the diverse cultural backgrounds present in Nigeria.
The title of the story "Civil Peace" itself is ironical 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.
The title "Civil Peace" is appropriate because it captures the irony of the situation in which there is little distinction between civil peace and civil war. The story highlights the breakdown of social order and the erosion of peace during the Biafran Civil War, making "Civil Peace" a fitting title.
How would you describe the civil peace in Nigeria?
The civil peace in Nigeria during the Biafran Civil War was characterized by widespread violence, lawlessness, and abuse of power. The breakdown of civil order resulted in a climate of fear and uncertainty, where people's lives and rights were threatened.
What kind of attitude towards life do you think you would have if your situation was similar to that of Jonathan’s?
If I were in Jonathan's situation, I would likely experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. I would try to maintain a sense of hope and resilience amidst the challenges, while also being cautious and protective of my family and loved ones.
Draw the character sketch of Jonathan Iwegbu.
Jonathan Iwegbu is a complex and compelling character who undergoes significant transformation throughout the story. Initially depicted as an optimistic and naive individual, he gradually becomes more cautious and jaded as he experiences the harsh realities of civil war. Jonathan embodies the resilience and strength of the human spirit, as he strives to maintain a sense of normalcy for his family amidst the chaos and violence that surround them. His faith in a higher power and his deep love for his wife and children sustain him during this difficult time.