Abstract:
This research investigates the social values that are reflected in the works of Chinua Achebe and Charles
Dickens. One of its objectives is to bring out the similarities and differences between African English
literature and British literature, in terms of social values. Following the descriptive, analytic, comparative
and contrastive approach, Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ and ‘No Longer at Ease’ and Dickens’ ‘Oliver
Twist’ and ‘Great Expectations’ have been discussed, analyzed, compared and contrasted. The findings
have shown existence of similarities between the social values of the two writers such as: work, cooperation
collaboration, charity, kindness, helpfulness, justice, marriage, good morals, patience, tolerance
and generosity. The study has also revealed existence of differences which can be grouped in two
categories: The first comprises the values that have been reflected by Achebe only: polygamy, patriotism
and nationalism including peace. The second includes the values that are reflected by Dickens only:
honesty, faithfulness, gentility and nobility. Also, one important conclusion of this study is that there are
some differences between peoples’ cultures,including religions but also, there is a common spiritual
principles that are to be found in all of them and this reinforces the spread of peace the world over, for
they represent the point of convergence.
