Ruby's Writing Portfolio

Essay Draft Three

Ruby Zeng
Jun 20, 2007
Draft Three 

Selfishness Leads to Failure

Crowned as "father of modern African literature"(Associated Press), distinguished Igbo writer, Chinua Achebe, is well-known for his novels, which mainly describes the effects of Western customs and values on traditional African society. As his father is a teacher in a missionary school, Achebe was installed in both traditional Igbo culture and Christian education. Achebe witnessed the various changes in Nigeria during British colonization as he grew up, especially conflicts between the old Igbo and the new Western ideas.

So in Dead Men's Path, 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 he closes the local religious object, the Dead Men's path.

What causes Michael Obi's failure? Can such a failure be avoided? Together with this question, descriptions on talks and approach of Michael Obi in the story will be discussed. And 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. Once it becomes immoderate, the sense of selfishness has bad effects on one's behaviors and decision-making. One’s selfishness can be revealed in his acts and words. And Michael Obi's selfishness shows in his self-centered approach and sense of superiority.

In the beginning, Michael Obi "expected" (52) himself to be a reformer in education before he is appointed as headmaster of Ndume Central School. He is always "outspoken in his condemnation of views of these old and often less-educated ones" (52), and 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" (52) 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. 

The point can be seen in his opinions of the school when he shares with his wife Nancy, who has been influenced by his passion for many years, the good news of his being appointed.  Even Nancy is "downcast" (53) when she knows that she will not have the chance to show herself off among other wives because of the fact that all the colleagues "are young and unmarried" . However, Michael Obi holds absolutely opposite viewpoints about that. He not only sets a strict demand on himself, but also tries to be the master of his staffs and make them devote themselves to the school.

Self-centered approach also results in his stubborn attitude towards the "dead men's path". The path, which leads to the burial place, is built to honor the dead men. And local people believe that it can help their ancestors find the way back home. In fact, the path is not only a passage but also a special religious symbol. As the path traverses the school premises, Michael Obi is furious about it and he plants the "heavy sticks" (54) to close the path, as a result of which local people can not walk through the campus freely. However, when talking to the priest of Ani, Michael Obi promises that he can "even get our boys helping in building" (54) a new path. Is it a kind of concession? No, Michael Obi somehow compromises only because he knows that a balanced and harmonious relationship between school and the local tribe lays a solid foundation to promote his modern education. By doing so, he can ease up the tension. His solution to the conflicts shows that he does not 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 does not 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 at school and in the village, he chooses to close the path but fails to leave enough space for maneuver.

Besides his self-centered approach, Michael Obi's ignorance to local religion has its origin in a sense of superiority. Michael Obi is the model of young man 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 defiance he can not suffer.

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 would rather understand and respect than sharpen the cultural differences. Michael Obi speeds up his conflicts with local people and he pays for it.

On the day when the Government Education Officer comes and evaluates the school, the angry villagers destroy the beautiful garden, one school building and open the path again. The officer writes such a poor report on Michael Obi and his schools that his career is over.

Maybe the end of the story sounds cruel for Michael Obi. But suppose the local people had not ruined the school, would Michael Obi have failed? Actually, He will not run school well for long as well. Despite having the common base of western education, Michael Obi will still meet problems with his colleagues, wife and even the Government Education Officer. His inner desire may be obstacles in his way of running the school. He takes things into account only according to the benefits of his achievement. Be that so, what a poor school in his charge!

As a whole, Michael Obi is a gifted man but his selfishness has swallowed him. In some sense, selfishness can be compared to some kind of chronic poisons. It will not get you into corner as soon as you drink it, but it corrupts your body day by day. Selfishness helps Michael Obi set up big desire and work for it, but it ruins his achievements finally. 

Work Cited

28.5.07 15:36