Description
Things Fall Apart Literature Study Guide
Select the Printed Workbook or CD to see format-specific information, features, and included materials.
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.
What Progeny Press' Things Fall Apart Literature Curriculum 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: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Historical and Cultural Background
Author Biography: Learn about Chinua Achebe.
Before-You-Read Activities: Poetry, mapping, colonialism, Nigeria.
Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Synonym, proverbs, characterization, foreshadowing, flashback, simile, metaphor, imagery, point of view, backstory, onomatopoeia, anthropomorphism, juxtaposition, pourquoi tale, irony, paradox, foil, epiphany, protagonist, hero, anti-hero, tragic hero, dynamic vs. static.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Fear-based, shame-based or guilt-based societies, attitude, death, superstition, murder, defilement, family, plans, vengeance, suicide, fate vs. choices.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Essays, poetry, government, malaria, customs, class discussions, debate, crossword, missionaries, letters.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
All of Progeny Press' Language Arts unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
Things Fall Apart Literature Study Guide - Workbook
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 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: This is a one-quarter credit high school level Literature curriculum.
Historical and Cultural Background
Author Biography: Learn about Chinua Achebe.
Before-You-Read Activities: Poetry, mapping, colonialism, Nigeria.
Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.
Literary Techniques: Synonym, proverbs, characterization, foreshadowing, flashback, simile, metaphor, imagery, point of view, backstory, onomatopoeia, anthropomorphism, juxtaposition, pourquoi tale, irony, paradox, foil, epiphany, protagonist, hero, anti-hero, tragic hero, dynamic vs. static.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Fear-based, shame-based or guilt-based societies, attitude, death, superstition, murder, defilement, family, plans, vengeance, suicide, fate vs. choices.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Essays, poetry, government, malaria, customs, class discussions, debate, crossword, missionaries, letters.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include an in-depth reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
All of Progeny Press' Language Arts unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
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 workbook
- 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 Physical Literature Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Printed Workbook Literature Study Guides:
- Premium Print Format: Perfect bound 8.5x11 study guide with durable heavy gloss cover and quality interior paper designed for long-term classroom and homeschool use.
- Answer Key Made Simple: Full detailed answer key included on perforated pages for quick removal before student use, making instruction easier for teachers and parents.
- Student-Friendly Design: Built-in space for written answers supports active learning, critical analysis, and organized responses directly inside the book.
- Reproducible for Classroom Use: Approved for classroom copying, making this an ideal choice for Christian schools, co-ops, and group instruction.
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Each literature guide integrates Christian worldview connections with literature study, encouraging both academic growth and character development.
- Open-and-Go Teaching: Clear lesson structure and teacher guidance allow parents and instructors to begin immediately without extra preparation. No extra devices needed. Just the book, a pencil, and a positive attitude!
- Comprehensive ELA Coverage: Strengthens reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary development, and literary analysis within one complete language arts program.
- Trusted for Over 30 Years: Chosen by homeschool families, Christian schools, and educators seeking reliable, high-quality literature study resources.
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!