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.
Progeny Press' Things Fall Apart English/Language Arts PDF curriculum will provide your High School grade student with:
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.
All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
Features and Benefits of a Progeny Press ELA PDF study guide
E-guide Format
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Note: Mobile Devices/Tablets may require alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields. - Or choose to conveniently print what you need, when you need it:
- Print the whole guide at once
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