Ruby's Writing Portfolio

In Dead Men’s Path , Chinua Achebe tells a story of a newly appointed headmaster, Michael Obi, who tries to create a better situation for students and promote modern education. However, all of his achievements are ruined after his destruction to local religious object, the Dead Men’s path.

Governed by the British, the vast majority of Ibos converted to Christianity during colonialism; however, especially when the author was growing up, many Igbo villagers still respected their local god. So as in the story, the old traditions come into conflicts with new Western ideas. By analyzing descriptions on talks and approach of Michael Obi, it is easy to find that Michael Obi’s selfishness is the instrument to his inevitable failure.

In accordance to the literal meaning, selfishness is an act that concerns chiefly or only about oneself. The selfish sense has bad effects on one’s behaviors and decision-making. Michael Obi’s selfishness shows in his self-centered approach and sense of superiority.

From the beginning, Michael Obi has “expected” (1) to be a reformer in education before he is appointed as the headmaster of Ndume Central School. He is always “outspoken in his condemnation of views of these old and often less-educated ones” (1), now he has to do something constructive to prove that his ideas are worthwhile. That’s why once he seizes the opportunity, he begins to carry out his “wonderful ideas” (1) as soon as possible. In a word, he has to choose self-centered approach in order to ensure that no one will disturb his work. 

This point can be seen obviously in his conversation with his wife. As is “completely infected by his passion”  (3), his wife, Nancy conceives of her proud position and the settings of the school. Nancy is “downcast”(9) when she knows that she will not have chance to show herself in other wives because all the colleagues “are young and unmarried” ; however, Michael Obi shows absolutely opposite viewpoint about that. He not only sets a strict demand on herself, but also tries to be master of his staffs, making them “give all their time and energy to the school.” (8)

Self-centered approach also results in his stubborn attitude towards the “dead men’s path”. Michael Obi knows that a balanced and harmonious relationship between school and the local tube lays a solid foundation for promoting his modern education so he also makes some concessions. When talking to the priest of Ani, he promises that he can “even get our boys help in building” (P26) a new path. His solutions to the conflicts set out that he doesn’t care about where the path is at all, unless the path blemishes his school.  

If Michael Obi really wants to eradicate the old and uneducated custom, why doesn’t he insist on destroying the path? Apparently, the only thing he focuses on is how to make his school better. He just wants to enlighten students in order to show his achievements. For the sake of building his authority and strong stance both in school and the village, he chooses to close the path while leaving enough space for maneuver.

Except his self-centered approach, Michael Obi’s ignorance to local religion has its origin in a sense of superiority. From one of his teachers, he finds out that the path leads to the burial place of the village and he is furious about that. Michael Obi is the model of young man who educated by Christianity system. When coming into power, his sense of superiority glues ups his clear eyes. So he considers nothing more than his education and school, neglecting the needs and traditions of local people. He refuses to accept any suggestions, which will stop him from promoting his educational conceptions. In a sense, he regards himself as the god in the village and he can not suffer defy.

The priest once said that:” Let the hawk perch and let the eagle perch” (25). It gives voice to a very simple principle, that is, we have to understand and respect but not to sharpen the cultural differences. Michael Obi speeds up his conflicts with local people and that’s what causes his inevitable failure.

To say at the least, suppose the local people haven’t destroyed the school , will Michael Obi fail? I don’t think he will run school well for long. In spite of having the common base of western education, Michael Obi will still meet problems with his colleagues, wife and even the Government Education Officer. In order to realize his desire, his fever may be obstacles in his way of running the school. He takes things into account only according to the benefits of his achievement. What a poor school!