The correct option for the question regarding the representation of old and new values in Chinua Achebe's novel "No Longer At Ease" is C. The Umuofia Progressive Union and Obi. Explanation of the Correct Answer

1. Understanding the Context: "No Longer At Ease" is a novel that explores the clash between traditional African values and the influences of Western culture, particularly through the experiences of the protagonist, Obi Okonkwo. Obi is a young man who has been educated in England and returns to Nigeria, where he faces the challenges of reconciling his Western education with his traditional Igbo heritage.
2. The Umuofia Progressive Union: This organization represents the old values of the Igbo community. It is a group that aims to promote the interests of the Igbo people, emphasizing traditional customs, communal ties, and the importance of cultural identity. The members of the Umuofia Progressive Union often hold onto traditional beliefs and practices, which can sometimes conflict with the modern ideas that Obi embodies.
3. Obi Okonkwo: Obi symbolizes the new values that have emerged due to Western influence. He has been educated in England and has adopted many Western ideals, including individualism, modernity, and a more secular worldview. His struggles throughout the novel highlight the tension between these two sets of values—his desire to succeed in a modern world while still honoring his cultural roots.
4. The Clash of Values: The interactions between Obi and the Umuofia Progressive Union illustrate the broader theme of cultural conflict. Obi's attempts to navigate his identity often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with the older generation, who may view his Westernized views as a betrayal of their traditions. This dynamic is central to the narrative and serves to highlight the challenges faced by individuals caught between two worlds.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• A. The European Club and Joseph: This option is misleading because while the European Club represents colonial influence and Western values, Joseph is a minor character who does not embody the broader themes of old versus new values. The focus of the novel is more on Obi and the Umuofia Progressive Union rather than on Joseph's interactions with the European Club.
• B. Obi and Clara: While Obi and Clara's relationship does reflect some aspects of modernity and personal choice, Clara does not represent the old values. Instead, she is more of a contemporary character who also grapples with the implications of modern life. This option does not capture the broader cultural conflict central to the novel.
• D. Mr. Green and Miss Williamson: Mr. Green is a colonial figure who embodies the oppressive aspects of colonialism, while Miss Williamson is a minor character. Their roles do not effectively represent the old and new values in the same way that Obi and the Umuofia Progressive Union do. This option fails to address the central theme of cultural identity and conflict.

Revision Summary

• Obi Okonkwo represents the new values influenced by Western education and modernity.
• The Umuofia Progressive Union symbolizes the old values rooted in traditional Igbo culture and communal identity.
• The novel explores the tension between these two sets of values through Obi's experiences and conflicts.
• Understanding the characters and their roles is crucial for grasping the themes of cultural conflict in "No Longer At Ease."