Things Fall Apart

Lesson 5
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ELA

Unit 2

11th Grade

Lesson 5 of 25

Objective


Identify examples of techniques Achebe uses to counteract Europeans’ simplistic stereotypes of Africans.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe  pp. 16 – 22 — Chapter 3

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Target Task


Question 1

With which of the following statements about Unoka would the oracle most likely agree?

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Sample Response

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Question 2

The main purpose of the detailed description of the palm-wine ritual on pp. 19–21 is to

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Sample Response

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Question 3

Identify and explain at least one technique Achebe uses to offer a perspective of the Igbo people that counters European stereotypes present in books such as Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Use evidence from both the article and the novel to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What is Achebe’s main critique of Conrad’s portrayal of Africa and Africans? Given his critique, how would you expect that he portray the Africans in his own novel?
  • What do we learn about Okonkwo in the first paragraph of p. 16? 
  • What is Agbala? What is its significance to the people of Umuofia?
  • Why does Unoka go to see the oracle and what is her message to him?
  • What can we reasonably infer is Achebe’s purpose for including this story?
  • As you read pp. 18–22, identify places in the text where you see Achebe portraying the richness of the Igbo culture and people.
  • What types of techniques does he use to do so? What does the reader learn?
  • What is the meaning of the proverb at the top of p. 21? What does it tell us about how Okonkwo is feeling now?

Notes


  • As the Achebe speech is lengthy, the teacher may choose excerpts to read with his or her class. Including at least portions of pp. 7 and 8 is recommended. This reading is best accomplished toward the beginning of class.
  • Today’s reading is rich with dialogue, proverbs, descriptions of peaceful interactions, rituals, religious beliefs, etc. Students should recognize these as Achebe paints a full picture of Igbo village life and culture prior to colonization. In so doing, he is further establishing the theme of culture and colonialism.
  • Students should finish reading chapter 3 for homework.

Next

Analyze Achebe’s portrayal of women in chapter 4.

Trace Achebe’s development of Okonkwo’s tragic flaw.

Lesson 6
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Lesson Map

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