Analysis

An analysis of Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path” shows that it has a linear structure. The events take place in chronological order and center around the conflict between the characters who embrace modernity and the village natives who want to preserve their traditions.

The main character is Michael Obi, the new Ndume Central School headmaster. Other characters include Michael’s wife, Nancy Obi, and the village priest who represents the natives. The story centers around the conflict between Obi and the villagers, which is symbolic of the larger conflict between modernity and tradition.

The physical setting is the village named Ndume and the events take place after January 1949. Most of the action happens at Ndume Central School.

The story is told by a third-person narrator, who has access to the characters’ feelings and who also relates the events objectively to the reader.

The language is neutral. The author also uses African proverbs, which makes the story more authentic. Several symbols such as the footpath enhance the story’s meaning.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.