Description
Things Fall Apart is one of the first, and finest, books to deal with European expansion into Africa from an African point of view. The author even-handedly explores the introduction of Christianity, recognizing the difference between missionaries truly spreading the gospel and those missionaries only there to spread Western culture.
Okonkwo lives with his Ibo clansmen in a Nigerian village in the late 1800s. Driven by fear that he will be considered a failure like his father, he is determined to prove himself stronger, tougher, more violent, and more honorable than anyone else. He works hard at growing yams, the "man's crop"; he fights hard, bringing back his enemies' skulls; and he takes two titles - signs of power and honor which involve generously giving to the community. He marries three wives and has eight children, all of whom he tries to keep under strict control.
A fiercely proud and short-tempered man, Okonkwo is nearing the pinnacle of leadership and power he has strived for in his village, only to see everything he worked for fall apart as he clashes with the new European government and religion.
Things Fall Apart Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your High School student in mind, Progeny Press literature study guides provide in-depth lessons and writing assignments that strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop advanced literary analysis and essay writing skills. Each guide challenges students to think critically and engage meaningfully with the text, without unnecessary busywork that diminishes the joy of reading.
For over 30 years, homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools worldwide have trusted Progeny Press to provide rigorous, faith-based English and Language Arts curriculum that inspires thoughtful readers and confident writers.
What Progeny Press' Things Fall Apart Literature Curriculum Digital Study Guide provides your High School student:
ELA Built for Ages 16–18 • Grades 10–12
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
English/Language Arts Credit: Elevate your high school literature studies, earning one-quarter credit for students.Historical and Cultural Background: Embark on a journey through the historical and cultural landscape. Gain insights into the socio-cultural context that shaped Chinua Achebe's narrative, exploring colonialism in Nigeria.
Author Biography: Uncover the influences, experiences, and literary contributions that have made Achebe a revered figure in the realm of African literature.
Before-You-Read Activities: Set the stage for your ELA study with enriching activities. Get lost in poetry, map the landscapes of colonial Nigeria, and engage in discussions that delve into the complexities of colonialism.
Vocabulary: Enhance your understanding of the novel's language through activities designed to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Unravel the nuances of literary techniques utilized in the novel. Explore synonyms, proverbs, characterization, foreshadowing, flashbacks, similes, metaphors, imagery, point of view, backstory, onomatopoeia, anthropomorphism, juxtaposition, pourquoi tale, irony, paradox, foil, and the exploration of characters as protagonists, heroes, anti-heroes, tragic heroes, and dynamic versus static figures.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Examine philosophical issues of the novel, exploring fear-based, shame-based, or guilt-based societies. Delve into themes of attitude, death, superstition, murder, defilement, family dynamics, strategic planning, vengeance, suicide, and the interplay between fate and choices.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Choose from extra activities, from crafting essays and poetry to exploring governmental structures, researching malaria and customs, participating in class discussions and debates, solving crosswords, examining the role of missionaries, and expressing thoughts through letters.
Suggestions for Further Reading: Extend your literary reading list with carefully selected books featuring additional works by Chinua Achebe and other books that complement similar to, Things Fall Apart..
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of the Things Fall Apart novel
- A copy of the Things Fall Apart study guide
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (student-friendly or online)
Created for upper-level learners, this guide strengthens critical thinking and encourages polished writing while helping students master essential ELA concepts.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each guide is rooted in Christian values, helping students grow academically while learning in a faith-aligned environment
- Proven Success: Trusted by homeschool families, co-ops, and Christian schools for more than 30 years.
- Easy to Follow & Open-and-Go: Designed for simplicity and flexibility. Just open and start learning.
- Biblical Connections: Every study promotes meaningful discussions that tie literature themes to Scripture and real-life application.
- Adaptable for Any Setting: Works beautifully in homeschools, classrooms, or co-ops and supports different learning styles and teaching methods.
- Thoughtfully Structured Lessons: Integrates literature analysis with biblical truth, helping students strengthen both academic understanding and spiritual growth.
- Engaging, Hands-On Activities: Includes projects, creative assignments, research papers, writing assignments, and interactive exercises that support reading comprehension and make learning memorable.
- No Busywork: Every activity is purposeful, faith-filled, and designed to deepen understanding—not fill time.
- Comprehensive Literature Coverage: Features classic and contemporary works that build strong literary foundations and critical thinking.
- Support for Parents & Teachers: Includes practical tips, clear instructions, and full answer keys to make teaching simple and effective.
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
