Rhetorical Analysis of Language in “Named for Victoria, Queen of England” In Chinua Achebe’s essay “Named for Victoria, Queen of England”, Achebe tries to warn society of the impending danger of racism and cultural conflicts. By describing his life events, Achebe demonstrates how the cultural backgrounds between Christians and non-Christians had arisen differences throughout the years. Achebe believes that the two sides bear much significance and, therefore, they should be held together without any tension. One of the attractive features in Achebe’s essay is his talent for addressing serious issues in a calm and non-threatening way. Achebe’s use of language, through his diction, his use of repetition and literary techniques, illustrates how
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The phrase “crossroads of cultures” (340) constantly plays a huge role in Achebe’s essay. As it shows us the underlying theme to all his earlier works in novels and a bigger social issue. He appeals by demonstrating that he is not referring to the racism that has been received by Africans by the Europeans but the “crossroads [itself having] dangerous potency; dangerous because a man might perish there wrestling with multiple heads, but also he might be lucky and return to his people with the boon of prophetic vision”. (341) Achebe was constantly stuck in between his Christian faith and his Igbo culture. He is suggesting that cultural influences can destroy a human beyond repair but it also gives him a new hope for his faith, Christianity. Achebe uses this repetition to show the impact both his culture and religion has played in his life. The last mention of the phrase occurs in the middle of the essay where Achebe discusses his “fascination for the ritual and the life on the other arm of the crossroads” (341). What this suggests is that Achebe is constantly drawn to the Igbo side of the crossroad which he is constantly drawn toward throughout his life. Achebe had always felt a pull toward Heathenism despite being
The phrase “crossroads of cultures” (340) constantly plays a huge role in Achebe’s essay. As it shows us the underlying theme to all his earlier works in novels and a bigger social issue. He appeals by demonstrating that he is not referring to the racism that has been received by Africans by the Europeans but the “crossroads [itself having] dangerous potency; dangerous because a man might perish there wrestling with multiple heads, but also he might be lucky and return to his people with the boon of prophetic vision”. (341) Achebe was constantly stuck in between his Christian faith and his Igbo culture. He is suggesting that cultural influences can destroy a human beyond repair but it also gives him a new hope for his faith, Christianity. Achebe uses this repetition to show the impact both his culture and religion has played in his life. The last mention of the phrase occurs in the middle of the essay where Achebe discusses his “fascination for the ritual and the life on the other arm of the crossroads” (341). What this suggests is that Achebe is constantly drawn to the Igbo side of the crossroad which he is constantly drawn toward throughout his life. Achebe had always felt a pull toward Heathenism despite being