Achebe on Conrad

[jbor]

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>From: Terrance <lycidas2 at earthlink.net>
>

> Yes. Again I think that other essays that take on the
> issues, questions, problems, Achebe addressed should be
> included. The Achebe essay is the ground breaker, it will
> no doubt be the source for more essays on HoD. Would be nice
> to see a student essay in that new critical edition. Can a
> work be a masterpiece even if it reflects the racist views
> of the artist or the racist views and attitudes of the
> audience of the day? Should we continue to read the great
> works, to teach them to our students even when we know that
> they are racist?

As Conrad's novel is celebrated for taking a "first step" towards exposing
the fraud of colonial imperialism I think it only apt that Achebe's essay be
celebrated for taking the next one. No-one, least of all Achebe, has
suggested that Conrad's novel should not be read, that it should be
"omitted" or discarded as you opine that Achebe's words should be. What is
taught to students, here at least, is critical literacy, not just "texts".

best