the writer They do not see him as an outsider They see him as a wise guide So society expects the African writer to stand close to the people and help them understand life Teaching and Advice Achebe gives a real example from Northern Nigeria I Buba Yero Mafindi writes a letter to Achebe In that letter he says nbsp Your novels serve as advice to us young nbsp This line shows society s hope Young readers in Nigeria believe that Achebe s books teach them how to live A teacher in Ghana also demands moral guidance from Achebe She wants the hero of No Longer at Ease to marry the woman he loves to help real women in society These events show that society expects the writer to offer lessons hope and direction Practical Help Achebe also describes a strange but meaningful request from a Ghanaian student The student asks Achebe to add questions and answers at the end of Things Fall Apart He wants exam help directly from the writer Achebe calls him a how-for-do reader This shows how society expects writers to give practical support Some readers want the writer to help them succeed in school Some want him to solve moral problems This proves that African society expects the writer to play a real and active role Responsibility from the Writer Achebe says the writer must stay free But he must also think carefully about his society s needs He gives an example of a Nigerian newspaper editor who attacks the soulless efficiency A type of work or progress that is fast mechanical and organized but without any human feeling or moral care of Europe Achebe says this attack is pointless because African society needs efficiency not a fight against it Society expects the writer to understand real problems and to use his ideas wisely The writer should not follow every demand but he should not ignore society s needs Rebuild the Mind of Africa Achebe clearly says nbsp The writer cannot expect to be excused from the task of re-education and regeneration nbsp He believes society expects writers to help rebuild Africa after colonial damage He agrees with William Abraham who says African writers must serve their people just like scientists and historians Society expects writers to teach that Africa s past was not nbsp One long night of savagery nbsp Achebe believes a writer must give dignity knowledge and confidence to his people Achebe shows that African society expects a lot from its writers They want guidance They want teachings They want moral support They want practical help They want the writer to take part in rebuilding Africa Achebe accepts this responsibility He believes the African writer must stay free but must also serve the people with wisdom and care