Analysis of Social Values through Literary Works of Chinua Achebe and Charles Dickens: A Contrastive Approach

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.