Final answer:
The theme of Chinua Achebe's poem 'Butterfly' focuses on the subjective nature of beauty and the universal human ability to perceive beauty in potentially harmful elements. It also reflects Achebe's wider challenge against colonial narratives in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of Chinua Achebe's poem 'Butterfly' centers on the perception of beauty and its subjectivity, as well as the universal capacity to find beauty in harmful or unconventional things.
The poem explores how individuals can see beauty where others see ugliness or destruction, such as in the ribbons of pollution or the flames perceived as 'gorgeous' by believers, despite their destructive nature.
Furthermore, the discussions surrounding Achebe's work often touch upon the impact of colonialism on African literature and history. Achebe is known for challenging reductive and racist notions of Africa perpetuated by colonial narratives.
This thematically aligns with his broader body of work, which seeks to redefine African identity and literature from an authentic African perspective. Writers like Achebe have contributed to a mental shift, expanding the representation of diverse identities and experiences in literature.