Writer–Reader Relationship Is Different in Africa: Chinua Achebe begins his essay by saying that modern creative writing in Africa is very new. In Europe, literature is part of a tradition thousands of years old. But in Africa, especially modern novels written in English, this is a comparatively recent development. Because of this, the relationship between writer and reader has not formed in the same way it did in Europe. In Europe, a writer is usually seen as a marginal, unusual, or rebellious figure. Society often looks at the writer’s strange behavior with suspicion or even hostility. They think a writer is separate from society, someone who stands apart.

But the reality in Africa is completely different. African society does not see the writer with hostility. Instead, readers look toward the writer for hope, guidance, and truth. Africa suffered long under colonial rule, which damaged its history, culture, and identity. In this situation, society places greater expectations on the writer. They want the writer to break old false ideas and help build a new sense of identity. In short, while the European writer is seen as someone “standing against society,” the African writer is viewed as a “guide” or a “leader” for the people. In simple terms, the writer–reader relationship in Africa is not hostile, but based on trust, hope, and responsibility.

African Readers Exist, and They Do Read Literature: Achebe challenges a common misconception in his essay. Many people claim that African readers do not exist, and even if they do, they read only textbooks and have no interest in literature. Achebe directly disproves this idea using evidence from the sales of his own books. He says that in one year, the cheap paperback edition of Things Fall Apart sold:

• In England: only 800 copies
• In Nigeria: 20,000 copies
• In all other countries combined, about 2,500 copies

These numbers clearly prove that his main readers are in Africa, especially in Nigeria. This means African readers do read literature, novels, and books that tell their own history and stories. Another important point is that most of Achebe’s readers are young, students in school or college, or those who have recently finished their studies. They enjoy reading, and they look for learning, values, and identity in the writer’s work. Therefore, according to Achebe, African writers do not need to write with foreign readers in mind. Their real readers are within Africa itself, and these readers are eager for literature.

The Writer as a Teacher for Society: Chinua Achebe shows in his essay that in Africa, a writer is not just a storyteller; he is seen as a teacher, a guide, and a moral leader of society. His role is especially important for young readers. Achebe says that most of his readers are young, students in school or college. They do not read only for entertainment. They want to learn from the writer: understanding of life, the ability to make decisions, a sense of identity, and social values. To prove this, Achebe shares the example of a young reader from Northern Nigeria who wrote a letter. He wrote that:

• Achebe’s novels are like “advice” to young people
• He feels Achebe’s writing guides him
• He hopes Achebe will write more books like these

This letter shows that many readers see Achebe not only as a creative artist but as a kind of teacher who shapes the minds of the nation’s youth. That is why Achebe says the writer’s responsibility is great. Society does not see him merely as an entertainer but expects direction and wisdom from him. The writer’s duty is to show society the truth, correct false history, and build new confidence. He becomes a carrier of knowledge, culture, and moral values. In short, in African society, the writer is a teacher of knowledge, a guardian of culture, and a builder of the new generation.

The Writer Is Free, but Responsible: Chinua Achebe clearly states that a writer should never write according to the instructions or pressure of readers. Literature is an independent creative act, and the writer’s first right is to express his own thoughts, vision, and truth. Readers or society cannot tell the writer how to write a story or what ending to include. As an example, he mentions the young woman teacher from Ghana who complained that the hero of No Longer at Ease did not marry the girl he loved. Achebe says that if readers start directing the writer in this way, true literature cannot be created. So the writer must remain independent and, when necessary, disagree with society. But this independence comes with another important element: responsibility. The writer is not completely outside society. He knows about the society’s false ideas, distorted history, and loss of self-confidence. Therefore, the writer has a moral responsibility to,

• Understand the real needs of society.
• Break false ideas
• Bring forward true history and identity
• Represent culture accurately
• Awaken people’s inner strength

This does not mean the writer must change his story to satisfy readers. Instead, with his own independent viewpoint, he should contribute to the improvement and progress of society. In short, the writer is free, but that freedom must be guided by social needs, justice, and a sense of responsibility toward truth and knowledge.

The Writer’s Role in Reconstructing African History: Chinua Achebe says that because of colonial rule, African history was deliberately distorted. For many years, European writers and historians presented Africa as a dark, barbaric, uncivilized, and cultureless continent. This description was not only false but also a powerful tool for destroying the self-respect of African people. Achebe believes that one of the writer’s most important responsibilities is to break this false history and bring the truth to light. Literature is not only an expression of beauty; it is also a strong social and cultural weapon that helps shape a people’s identity. Achebe says that if his novels can at least teach readers that “Africa’s past, though imperfect, was never one long night of savagery,” then that would be a great achievement. Therefore, the African writer has two major tasks:

• To break the wrong interpretations of history
• To correct the European idea that Africa was barbaric, using literature as a tool

And alongside this, the writer must awaken new self-confidence in people. Literature tells readers that they have culture, history, dignity, and their own values. For this reason, Achebe believes that a writer is not just a storyteller; he is a frontline warrior in rebuilding the nation’s sense of identity.

Literature as Both Art and a Medium of Education: Chinua Achebe believes that literature is not only a means of entertainment or “pure art.” It is a powerful educational force that can shape a society’s way of thinking, its history, its identity, and its values. Especially in post-colonial African societies, literature becomes a major tool for re-education and regeneration. Achebe explains that literature works in two ways:

• As Art: Literature expresses beauty, emotion, and creativity. It includes skillful language, characters, storytelling, and artistic quality.
• As an Educational Medium: Through literature, the writer corrects false ideas, reveals the truth about the past, and shapes the thoughts and understanding of readers.

It helps people, 

• learn their real history
• understand their culture
• regain self-confidence
• develop moral values

Achebe says the writer is the “most sensitive point” of the community. It means the writer feels society’s pain, problems, crises, and needs before anyone else. Therefore, the writer should lead society in the work of rebuilding. He also says that art and education are not enemies. In African reality, these two combine to make literature effective, meaningful, and deeply human.