Beyond the Savannah

A Feminist Reading of Chinua Achebe's "Anthills of the Savannah"

Abstract

This paper offers a feminist reading of Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah. Employing a close reading and content analysis methodology, the study interrogates the novel through a feminist lens, particularly focusing on the portrayal of power dynamics, gender roles, and the silencing of dissent. The central research question guiding this analysis is: How does Achebe utilize feminist perspectives to expose the patriarchal structures that perpetuate political corruption and social injustice in post-colonial Africa? The study argues that Achebe’s narrative reveals the insidious nature of patriarchal power, which manifests in various forms, including political oppression, gender-based violence, and the suppression of women’s voices. By examining the characters of Beatrice and Chris, the novel highlights the limitations imposed on women and the dangers faced by those who challenge the status quo. Through a close reading of the text, this paper seeks to identify the specific ways in which patriarchal norms and values contribute to the downfall of the Kangan state. By analyzing the characters’ actions and motivations, the study explores the ways in which gender intersects with power and how these dynamics shape the political landscape of the novel.