Things Fall Apart
Literary Comparison Background: Achebe took the title for this story from a Poem called The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats. Viewing the destruction and catastrophe of World War I, Yeats feared a rise in communism and future global tragedy. He wrote his poem as a glimpse into the world that could arise from the results of the war. Instructions: As you read the poem, underline examples of imagery. In the Analysis box, write three complete sentences using words from the word bank to describe the mood.
Literary Comparison Underline Images in the Poem The Second Coming Turning and turning in the widening gyre 1 The falcon cannot hear the falconer 2 ; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. Mood Word Bank Light-hearted Tense Playful Gloomy Tender Violent Enlightened Insidious Optimistic Pessimistic Liberating Confining Warm Cold Hopeful Hopeless Nostalgic Haunting Peaceful Nightmarish Welcoming Hostile Harmonious Suspenseful Trustful Foreboding Awkward Painful Confident Threatening Idyllic Desolate Sympathetic Merciless Joyous Terrifying Dignified Barren Empowered Heartbroken Inclusive Lonely
Literary Comparison Underline Images in the Poem The Second Coming Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming 3 is at hand. The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi 4 Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand; A shape with lion body and the head of a man 5, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds. Word Bank Mood Light-hearted Tense Playful Gloomy Tender Violent Enlightened Insidious Optimistic Pessimistic Liberating Confining Warm Cold Hopeful Hopeless Nostalgic Haunting Peaceful Nightmarish Welcoming Hostile Harmonious Suspenseful Trustful Foreboding Awkward Painful Confident Threatening Idyllic Desolate Sympathetic Merciless Joyous Terrifying Dignified Barren Empowered Heartbroken Inclusive Lonely
Literary Comparison Underline Images in the Poem The Second Coming The darkness drops again but now I know That twenty centuries of stony sleep Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle 6, And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born 7? Mood Word Bank Light-hearted Tense Playful Gloomy Tender Violent Enlightened Insidious Optimistic Pessimistic Liberating Confining Warm Cold Hopeful Hopeless Nostalgic Haunting Peaceful Nightmarish Welcoming Hostile Harmonious Suspenseful Trustful Foreboding Awkward Painful Confident Threatening Idyllic Desolate Sympathetic Merciless Joyous Terrifying Dignified Barren Empowered Heartbroken Inclusive Lonely
Predictions about the Novel Look back to the words you used to describe the mood of this poem. List 3 different predictions you think might take place in Achebe s novel. 1) Things Fall Apart 2) 3)
The Characters: Okonkwo Unoka Nwoye Ikemefuna Ekwefi Ezinma Obierika Uchendu (oh-kon-kwah) (oo-no-ka) (n-oy-eh) (ee-kem-may-foo-nah) (eh-kweh-fee) (eh-zin-mah) (oh-bier-eh-kah) (oo-chen-doo)
Chapters 1 & 2 Describe Okonkwo. List both physical characteristics and his personality traits. What are his strengths and weaknesses? Describe Unoka, Okonkwo s father. What are Okonkwo s feelings toward Unoka? In what ways does Okonkwo overcompensate for his father's weaknesses? Discuss some of the ways the Ibo show their wealth. Describe some of the social customs of the Ibo. Why does Ikemefuna come to the village of Umuofia?
Unoka What characters have you encountered in books, movies or T.V. that behave like Unoka? Name 3 Cowries Kola Nut Do we have any customs like this?
Proverbs Proverb: a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage. Biblical Proverb Faith Moves Mountains. Cultural Proverb The old horse in the stable still yearns to run. Literary Proverb Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. -- Shakespeare Proverb of Experience A little stone may overturn a great wagon. Explanation Explanation Explanation Explanation
Group Challenge Time Challenge: Copy the three category chart and see how many proverbs you can come up with in 2 minutes! Literary Proverb Cultural Proverb Proverb of Experience As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings. (chap 1)
Chapter 2 What types of feelings does Okonkwo have when thinking of his father Unoka? In what ways does Okonkwo try to hard to make up for his father's weaknesses? He was a man of action, a man of war. Unlike his father he could stand the look of blood. (8) Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children. Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. (9)
Social Customs Then the crier gave his message, and at the end of it beat his instrument again. And this was the message. Every man of Umuofia was asked to gather at the market place tomorrow morning. (7) Do we have any social rituals or customs like the example above? In Umuofia's latest war he was the first to bring home a human head. (8) it never went to war unless its case was clear and just and was accepted as such by its Oracle - the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves. (9)
Chapter 2 Discuss some of the ways the Ibo show their wealth. 1) Agbala was not only another name for a woman, it could also mean a man who had taken no title. 2) Large compound, huts for each wife. 3) # of Children (8)
Page 9 (War) Sons of Mbaino kill a daughter of Umuofia. Ultimatum (offer a young man and a virgin or war) Town speech the next day to instill anger & thirst for blood. Why does Ikemefuna come to the village of Umuofia?
p.12 Sketch Okonkwo s compound using details from the paragraph on page 12 beginning with Okonkwo's prosperity was visible in his household. He had a large compound enclosed by a thick wall of red earth
Chapter 3 Why, according to the oracle, is Unoka unable to grow sufficient crops? How did Unoka die? How did his death bring disgrace upon him and his family? What is Okonkwo s greatest fear? What does Okonkwo ask of Nwakibie? How does he approach him? How is rank observed in the drinking of the palm wine? Describe Okonkwo s first year as a farmer. How does Okonkwo react to "the worst year in living memory?
Compare and Contrast Topics for Comparison: What they are known for Personalities Achievements Appearances Respect Gender Roles Wealth Fears Jobs You must include at least 5 differences and 2 similarities.
Chapter4 What is Okonkwo s attitude towards men who are less successful than him? "This meeting is for men." Why do you think Okonkwo responds in this way? What adjectives would you use to characterize him? What do you think of the elder s reason for siding with the other man? What does this example show us about the values of Ibo Culture?
Chapter4 What is chi? What does this proverb mean, "When a man says yes his chi says yes also"? How does the village decide if someone has good chi?
Chapter4 Describe Ikemefuna. How does Okonkwo feel about him? Indirect Characterization Adjectives to Describe Character He could fashion out flutes from bamboo stems He knew the names of all the birds and could set clever traps for the little bush rodents.
Chapter4 What is the crime that causes Okonkwo's to be reprimanded? Why are Okonkwo s actions considered wrong by the priest? Destroy Stereotypes Accurately tell the African Story Achebe s Goals Recognize Western Arrogance Respect Igbo People as Complex, Thinking People with Traditions Help to understand Africa s Notion of Duality
Chapter4 What does the yam represent in the Ibo culture? What do you think about the way Okonkwo treats Nwoye and Ikemefuna when saying If you split another yam of this size, I shall break your jaw. Does the example support or refute Achebe s previous characterization: Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man.
Chapter 5 What is Okonkwo s attitude toward feasts? But he was always uncomfortable sitting around for days waiting for a feast or getting over it. He would be very much happier working on his farm. Yam Foo Foo Who is almost shot by Okonkwo? Why is he so angry?
Chapter 5 Describe how Ekwefi became Okonkwo s second wife. How do the Ibo people answer to calls from outside? Why?
How do the sayings and proverbs below help Achebe reach his goals? Write a paragraph explanation, be prepared to share your response. Chapter 4 & 5 "Is that me?" Ekwefi called back. That was the way people answered calls from outside. They never answered yes for fear it might be an evil spirit calling. "Looking at a king's mouth," said an old man, "one would think he never sucked at his mother's breast." Accurately Tell the African Story Destroy Stereotypes Achebe s Goals Recognize Western Arrogance But the Ibo people have a proverb that when a man says yes his chi says yes also. Respect Ibo people as complex, thinking people with traditions Help to understand Africa s notion of duality
Chapters 4 & 5 Writing Challenge: A) Create a horoscope Or B) Write a news article
Chapters 4 & 5
Chapter 6 Sporting Event: 2. How are spectators arranged for the event? Describe Chielo in this chapter. 3. How is order maintained among the crowd? 4. Describe the team(s) What is the outcome of the final wrestling match? 5. Describe the day s events. 6. What role does music play in the events? 7. How does the outcome affect the participant(s)? Accurately tell the African story Respect Ibo people as complex, thinking people with traditions Destroy Stereotypes Achebe s Goals Help to understand Africa s notion of duality Recognize Western arrogance
Chapter 7 Exodus 10:12 15 12 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left. 13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. 15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt. Mood Attitudes of People: Unwelcome, form of punishment, bring death Author s Tone: Description of Locusts: Symbolism: What do the locusts represent?
Compare Chapter 7 to the Bible Chapter 7 Exodus 10:12 15 12 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left. 13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. 15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt. Mood Attitudes of People: Unwelcome, form of punishment, bring death Author s Tone: Description of Locusts: Symbolism: What do the locusts represent?
Revelation 9:1-11 1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. Chapter 7 Mood Attitudes of People: Unwelcome, form of punishment, Author s Tone: Does the author perceive this as good or bad? Description of Locusts: 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. Symbolism: What do the locusts represent?
Chapter 7 Things Fall Apart Chapter 7 Mood Attitudes of People: Author s Tone: Description of Locusts: Symbolism:
Breakout game Ranking Breaks out = Great summary If it is not a break out summary you must discuss what is missing, or wrong. Mostly out = pretty good, missing some criteria. Mostly in = mediocre (below expectation) missing a lot of criteria. Summarize the last chapter in 2 to 3 sentences. Stagnant = this will remain inside the circle. It is incorrect or not attempted.
Chapter 7 Why does the village decide to kill Ikemefuna? That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in his death." Yes, Umuofia has decided to kill him. The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves has pronounced it. Why does Ogbuefi Ezeudu tell Okonkwo not to take part in the killing of Ikemefuna? Why does Okonkwo kill Ikemefuna? But I want you to have nothing to do with it. He calls you his father." Think of the beginning of the chapter. What does Okonkwo tell stories about? What is success and manhood to Okonkwo? How does Nwoye react when his father returns that evening? Then something had given way inside him. It descended on him again, this feeling, when his father walked in that night after killing Ikemefuna.
Chapter 8 How is Okonkwo affected by Ikemefuna s death? his eyes were red and fierce like the eyes of a rat when it was caught by the tail and dashed against the floor... What does Okonkwo say about his children to Obierika? "If I had a son like him I should be happy. I am worried about Nwoye. A bowl of pounded yams can throw him in a wrestling match. What is the subject of the argument between Okonkwo and Obierika? But if the Oracle said that my son should be killed I would neither dispute it nor be the one to do it." Consider Obierika and Nwoye, does this passage suggest that showing compassion is shameful for males?
Chapter 8 Look at the passage discussing the death of Ogbuefi Ndulue and his wife. What does Okonkwo s comment tell us about his views on manliness? What are his feelings about women? "It was always said that Ndulue and Ozoemena had one mind," said Obierika. "I remember when I was a young boy there was a song about them. He could not do anything without telling her." "I did not know that," said Okonkwo. "I thought he was a strong man in his youth." "He was indeed," said Ofoedu. How do the men finally agree to the bride price?
Chapter 8 Discuss foreshadowing. Look back to chapter one. How does the author let the reader know that something bad is going to happen to Ikemefuna? What clues, in this chapter, give the reader hints of future events? How is the notion of white men first introduced into the story? Why might Africans suppose that they have no toes? What sorts of attitudes are associated with white men in this passage?
Chapter 8 Interestingly, Obierika s manliness is never questioned. The fact that Obierika is skeptical of some Igbo practices makes us regard Nwoye s skepticism in a different light. We understand that, in Umuofia, manhood does not require the denigration of women. Like Nwoye, Ikemefuna is not close to his biological father. Rather, his primary emotional attachments to his natal village are to his mother and little sister. Although he is not misogynistic like Okonkwo, Ikemefuna is the perfect clansman. He eagerly takes part in the community celebrations and integrates himself into Okonkwo s family. Okonkwo and Ikemefuna love one another as father and son, and Ikemefuna is a good older brother to Nwoye. Most important, he is protective rather than critical. He does not allow Nwoye and his brothers to tell their mother that Obiageli broke her water pot when she was showing off he does not want her to be punished. Ikemefuna illustrates that manliness does not preclude gentleness and affection.
Chapter 9 Author s Purpose: Revealing a Complex and Civilized People 1) By this point in the novel, we have read and discussed several of the customs of the Ibo tribe and have learned that this is a means of the author to get us interested in the story. 2) Achebe s ability to realistically present a civilized and complex African people is a stark contrast to popular stereotypes and previous images of primitive societies without culture, balance or sophistication. We see evidence of a civilized group throughout the book and in this chapter through rituals, customs and beliefs. Challenge: See how many you can list from the book up to this point.
Chapter 9 Custom, Belief, Ritual What do the customs tell us about the Igbo society? Are they similar to our customs?
Chapter 10 Writing Challenge: in this chapter there is a lot of discussion between the Umuofian villagers and the egwugwu. There is a sense of festivity and excitement that goes along with mystery surrounding the respected governing body of the tribe. When the Egwugwu hears a case, their decisions are final. Notice that not one person questions the decisions made by the Egwugwu, they are a body to be respected and even feared. Write a scene using the characters from chapter ten with dialog that communicates the excitement and anticipation of the clan.
Chapter 10 What is the role of the Egwugwu at the hearing? What is the purpose of the hearing? Why do you think the leader of the Egwugwu had the name Evil Forest? What does the place called the Evil Forest represent?
Chapter 10 Writing Challenge Rubric Stage Directions (x4) (5 points) Faces Audience, Faces Crowd, Turns to, shakes head, raises hands, etc. Accuracy and Dialog - (5 points) Mgbafo: Today is a great day. Length 1 page minimum (5 points)
Group1: 15 13 11 9 8 6 Chapter10-13 Reading Groups Group2: 15 13 11 9 8 6 Group3: 15 13 11 9 8 6 You will be graded on your ability to read and stay on task. You start with 15 points and move down the point ladder if you fall off track. Group 4: 15 13 11 9 8 6 Group5: 15 13 11 9 8 6
TFA Class Reading Assignment (Chapters 10-13) Complete one for each Chapter Questions /Discussion Topics (x 3) Text to text, self or world connections (x 3) Themes :(3 quotes) Gender Fear of Failure Respect/ Reputation Tradition/ Customs Sin Religion Doodle:
Chapter 13 Who has died? Why does Okonkwo get a cold shiver when he hears who died? Drums and cannons sound and women wail, signaling the death of the oldest man in the village, Ezedu. He was the man who warned Okonkwo to bear no hand in [Ikemefuna s] death. What are some of the activities that took place at the funeral? Egwugwu, come to pay their respects Why was the dead man so respected in the community? What tragedy occurs? Who is responsible? Ezedu s sixteen-year-old son falls dead from a gunshot through the heart. (Okonkwo) What is the punishment? Drums sound loudly and guns and cannons are fired receives the punishment of exile from the Umuofia villages for seven years.
Chapter 14-15 Things Fall Apart Character Diary Imagine for a moment that Things Fall Apart is a true story and that the characters involved maintained personal journals. These journals would increase the realism of the story by providing various points of view. Your task is to write 2 separate reaction diaries as Okonkwo. You should try to convince me that You are the character you have chosen. Write as if you are experiencing the events in the novel first hand. Each diary should be three -fourths to one page long, and include a quote from the text. (80 pts.)
Character Diary Imagine for a moment that Things Fall Apart is a true story and that the characters involved maintained personal journals. These journals would increase the realism of the story by providing various points of view. Your task is to write 2 separate reaction diaries as Okonkwo. You should try to convince me that You are the character you have chosen. Write as if you are experiencing the events in the novel first hand. Each diary should be three -fourths to one page long, and include a quote from the text. (80 pts.)
Chapter Summaries 12- enzima returns safe, bridal ceremony skip 13 ***Ogbuefi Ezeudu s death is announced to the surrounding villages with the ekwe, a musical instrument. Okonkwo s gun accidentally goes off and kills Ezeudu s sixteen-year-old son. 14 O is exiled and must move to his mother land-- Okonkwo s uncle, Uchendu, and the rest of his kinsmen receive him warmly. 15 2 nd year of exile It seems that a white man arrived in Abame on an iron horse (which we find out later is a bicycle) during the planting season. The village elders consulted their oracle, which prophesied that the white man would be followed by others, who would bring destruction to Abame.
Chapter 16 1. What does efulefu mean? They were mostly the kind of people that were called efulefu, worthless, empty men. Find 2 Metaphors Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, called the converts the excrement of the clan, and the new faith was a mad dog that had come to eat it up. 2. Why does Obierika make this second visit to Okonkwo? In the last chapter it was to give Okonkwo Cowries for his abandoned fields. In this one, it is to discuss Nwoye s conversion. 3. Why does the interpreter make mistakes when he is translating? He was raised between 2 cultures, his dialect is a little off from lack of use.
Chapter 16 4. What do the missionaries say about the Ibo gods? He told them that they worshipped false gods, gods of wood and stone. Followers of these gods would be cast into a fire that burned like fire and palm oil. 5. What part of the Christian religion captures Nwoye s attention? It was the poetry of the new religion, something felt in the marrow. Nwoye also approves of the morality in terms of killing innocents like twins and Ikemefuna. Achebe provides an interesting reversal of ethnocentrism by showing Westerners peculiarities about their own religion when being taught to foreign people. List a few peculiarities of both the
Chapter 17 1. Where are the missionaries allowed to build their church? An evil forest was, therefore, alive with sinister forces and powers of darkness. It was such a forest that, the rulers of Mbanta gave to the missionaries. The next morning the crazy men actually began to clear a part of the forest and to build their house. The inhabitants of Mbanta expected them all to be dead within four days. The first day passed and the second and third and fourth, and none of them died. Everyone was puzzled. And then it became known that the white man's fetish had unbelievable power. Which goal does Achebe accomplish here? Accurately tell the African Story Respect Igbo People as Complex, Thinking People with Traditions Destroy Stereotypes Achebe s Goals Help to understand Africa s Notion of Duality Recognize Western Arroganc
Chapter 17 2. Who is in charge of the new church in Mbanta? Mr. Kiaga 3. What happened after Okonkwo found out that Nwoye had been meeting with the Christians?
Chapter 17 Recognizing Africa s Notion of Duality Duality: The quality or character of being twofold; dichotomy. Africa is influenced by the Western World Africa is a separate Country with its own values and traditions. Igbo Tribe is effected positively by Western Influence Igbo Tribe is effected Negatively by Western Influence
Role Model Characters Topic: Authors inevitably project values in their novels through the characters they create. Instructions: Observe the list of characters provided to you. Label the character as a good or bad role model and give an explanation as to why. Next, for the characters you have labeled as good role models, write a way you can improve your life if you follow by their example.
Role Model Characteristics Name Mr. Kiaga Good or Bad Role Model Qualities To Imitate + (proof example of trait) Ways This Characteristic Could Help Me Okonkwo Nwoye Uchendu Ezinma Ekwefi Obierka
Chapter 18 Positive Ways Africa is Influenced efulefu decided to live in the Evil Forest it was their own affair. It all began over the question of admitting outcasts. These outcasts, or osu, Government seeing that the new religion welcomed twins and such abominations, thought that it was possible that they would also be received Three If An they adherent converts became accidentally had more gone troublesome into kills the village sacred than they and python, already boasted the openly were group they becomes that would all the ostracized simply gods be were driven from dead the out and clan. of impotent the clan. and that they were prepared to defy them by burning all their shrines. Negative Ways Africa is Influenced
Chapter 20 Obierika responds to Okonkwo upon being asked why their people don t fight and take back their original way of life. What reasons does Obierika give previously for why this effort would be futile? Obierika The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart."
Chapter 21 22 Reading Activity Situation Mr. Brown s Actions Reverend Smith s Actions Dealing with passionate members of the clan. Teaching and Explaining Christianity to the Ibo. Comparing and Contrasting of Character Dilemmas Chapters 21-22 The two missionaries presented in the novel are in Nigeria for the same reason, but they approach their mission very differently. Below is a chart of the problems and opportunities faced by both men. Indicate in the appropriate space how each missionary responds or reacts N/A to the situation through your own explanation or a passage from the text. Finally, in a brief paragraph explain which man you feel is more effective in his mission and your reasons for the choice. Teaching and Explaining the Ibo Culture to the White men. Gaining respect from Ibo tribesmen. Helping Ibo tribesmen.
Reading Activity Comparing and Contrasting of Character Dilemmas Chapters 21-22 The two missionaries presented in the novel are in Nigeria for the same reason, but they approach their mission very differently. Below is a chart of the problems and opportunities faced by both men. Indicate in the appropriate space how each missionary responds or reacts to the situation through your own explanation or a passage from the text. Finally, in a brief paragraph explain which man you feel is more effective in his mission and your reasons for the choice.
Character Physical Traits Review Activity Psychological & Test Prep Traits Actor/Actress Exit Okonkwo Slip: Mid-forties, big, tall, Angry Proud You are a Hollywood bushy producer eyebrows and plan Authoritative to produce a film version of Chinua Obierika Achebe s Things Fall Apart. Since the novel is a personal favorite, Fifty years old Confident Loyal you are very concerned about how true Dependable it is to Achebe s original version; therefore, you plan to oversee the casting yourself. Ekwefi Forty-five years old Loves wrestling matches Strong, hard worker Devoted mother Loving wife Using the Character Casting Chart, identify specific physical and psychological Ezinma traits for the main characters Independent in the novel. Older Then, than Ten years old choose a modern actor for each character. In addition her years to Moody Beautiful physical and psychological characteristics, also think about how the actors you Ikemefuna choose might interact Fifteen with years A very lively boy each other in various events. old Respectful Nwoye Mr. Brown Reverend Smith Thirteen years old White man White man Prefers the company of women Emotional Dislikes his father Friendly Non-confrontational Teacher Compromising Zealous Narrow-minded Hardheaded Racist
TFA (Chapter 23) Questions /Discussion Topics (x 3) Text to text, self or world connections (x 3) Themes :(3 quotes) Gender Fear of Failure Respect/ Reputation Tradition/ Customs Sin Religion Doodle:
Chapter 23 Why do you think the six Ibo leaders, including Okonkwo, put down their weapons when they met with the District Commissioner? Let us talk about it like friends and find a way of ensuring that it does not happen again." Ogbuefi Ekwueme rose to his feet and began to tell the story. How were they treated while in prison? Well, but they must pay a steep fine of 200 Cowries They do not eat but it is self imposed. How did the men get released? Natives decide to pay the fine.
Chapter 23 They sat together with the men of Umuofia, and Ogbuefi Ekwueme began to tell the story of how Enoch murdered an egwugwu. It happened so quickly that the six men did not see it coming. There was only a brief scuffle, too brief even to allow the drawing of a sheathed machete. The six men were handcuffed and led into the guardroom. Accurately tell the African Story Respect Igbo People as Complex, Thinking People with Traditions Destroy Stereotypes Achebe s Goals Help to understand Africa s Notion of Duality Recognize Western Arroganc Which goal does Achebe accomplish here? What is the effect on the reader as a result?
Chapter 24 1.What is Okonkwo s mood after he is released? A. At first Okonkwo is silent, we might infer he is angry, confused or at a loss of words to express his true sentiments. B. Okonkwo slept very little that night. The bitterness in his heart was now mixed with a kind of childlike excitement 2. What does he hope the village will do? He wants the Village to fight. 3. What did Okonkwo do at the meeting? He kills the court messenger. 4. What are his feelings at the end of the chapter? Disappointed, Angry---
Chapter 25 Notice the way Achebe characterizes the Commissioner. What type of effect does this have upon the reader? The Commissioner did not understand what Obierika meant when he said, "Perhaps your men will help us." One of the most infuriating habits of these people was their love of superfluous words, he thought. 1. What happens to Okonkwo? He has committed Suicide. 2. Do you understand his actions? Why or why not? 3. What does the final sentence tell the reader about the attitudes of the District Commissioner and his government? There was so much else to include, and one must be firm in cutting out details. He had already chosen the title of the book, after much thought: The Pacification of the Primitive
Why do you believe Okonkwo chooses to commit suicide? Tragedy in Umuofia What would have been his punishment for murder? Were there any warning signs that Okonkwo was suicidal that the reader should have recognized before this point? Chapter 25 What does Okonkwo s death reveal about his feelings about himself? What does Okonkwo s death reveal about his feelings for his clan? "That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia. You drove him to kill himself and now he will be buried like a dog "
THE SECOND COMING Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming is at hand. The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand; A shape with lion body and the head of a man, A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun, Poetry Connection What are three connections you can make between the poem and the book.
News Article Project Assignment: You are a journalist hired to specifically write about the effects of colonialism on the Ibo culture. Like Achebe, your goal should be to destroy stereotypes, accurately tell the African story and portray the Ibo as complex, thinking people with traditions. (25 Points) When Where Complete the Prewriting Exercise What why Who Your Headline How
Notes: Elements of Journalism in your Article What are the different parts of a newspaper article? Headline: Runs across the width of the front page Cut: A picture Cutline: Few lines about the picture Lead Story: Explains the headline, most important story on the front page By-line: Name of the reporter Jump Line: tells the page on which the story is continued
Rubric: Grammar /5 Elements of Journalism /5 Story /5 Quotes from characters to tell story (x3) /10
Things Fall Apart