Things Fall Apart

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 2

11th Grade

Lesson 2 of 25

Objective


Gather basic information about the Igbo people and the impact of European colonization on the Igbo.

Readings and Materials


  • Excerpt: Igbo Culture and History by Don C. Ohadike 

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Target Task


Question 1

According to the first paragraph, which statement best characterizes the difference in how the Igbo thought of themselves before and after the colonial period?

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Sample Response

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Question 2

It can be reasonably inferred from the section called “Social and Political Structures” that the Igbo valued

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Sample Response

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Question 3

Describe the impact of European colonization on Igbo society. Use evidence from the article to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • Describe some of the many indications the author gives of the Igbo people’s diversity.
  • What do both archaeology and the Igbo creation myth suggest about this group?
  • What are “cross-cutting ties” and what does this emphasis reveal about Igbo values?
  • Describe the role of women’s organizations and secret societies in Igbo governance.
  • Who is Chukwu, and what is his significance? 
  • Describe the concept of chi and what the Igbo believed about a person’s chi.
  • How was the abolition of slavery related to British colonization of Igbo land?
  • How did the relationship between the Igbo and European traders change after 1875?
  • What was the impact of missionaries?
  • Describe the Ekumeku Movement.
  • What are some theories about how the complex and deeply-rooted Igbo culture succumbed to European colonization so quickly?

Notes


“Classics in Context” is an early edition of the novel that provides historical background in its preface. The edition is out of print but available in several places online for a fee. The link we have provided is of poor quality but is the only freely accessible version available.

Next

Predict the major themes of the novel.

Analyze the author’s characterization of the protagonist, Okonkwo.

Lesson 3
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