Things Fall Apart is a seminal novel by Chinua Achebe that explores the life of Okonkwo, an Igbo leader, and the impact of British colonialism on traditional African society. This comprehensive teacher's guide offers lesson plans, thematic discussions, and close reading strategies tailored for educators. It covers key cultural concepts, character studies, and the historical context of the novel, making it an essential resource for teaching high school and college students. Ideal for literature classes, this guide enhances understanding of Achebe's work and its significance in postcolonial literature.

Key Points

  • Includes lesson plans and activities for teaching Things Fall Apart
  • Explores themes of colonialism and Igbo culture in the novel
  • Provides close reading strategies for key passages
  • Offers character studies and psychological analysis of Okonkwo
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TeachingThingsFallApart
InWisconsin
AResourceGuideforEducators
PreparedbyHeatherDuBoisBourenane
CenterfortheHumanities
UniversityWisconsin‐Madison
UniversityClubBuilding,3rdFloor
432EastCampusMall,MadisonWI53706
608‐263‐3412info@humanities.wisc.edu
TeachingThingsFallApartinWisconsin:
AResourceGuideforEducators
Contents
IntroductionandOverview:Athematicapproach
HowtoUsethisGuide
CloseReadingStrategies
LessonPlans Include:Objectives,SuggestionsforLectures,DiscussionQuestions,
ActivitiesandProjectIdeas
Unit1:BackgroundandContexts–WhenFictionMeetsHistory
Unit2:SocialIssuesandReligion
2A.IgboCultureandItsRoleintheNovel
2B.ReligionandSociety:“TheSecondComing”
2C.Socialnorms,caste,andcivicstructures
Unit3:Gender
Unit4:PsychologyandCharacterStudies
Unit5:Power,Knowledge,EducationandReligion
Unit6:Destinyandtheroleofchiinthenovel
Unit7:LiteraryAspectsoftheNovel:FormandStructure,LanguageandStyle
Unit8:ColonialImpacts
Unit9:ThingsFallApartastragedy
ProjectIdeasfortheSpringStudentConference
Resources
OnlineResourcesandStudyGuides
Books
Videos
MapsofAfricaandNigeria+selectedhandoutsandstudentmaterials
(Additionalhandoutsandreadingsavailableonline)

Note:Allofthematerialsfoundinthisguidearealsoavailableonlineat:
http://www.humanities.wisc.edu/programs/great‐texts/things‐fall‐apart/curriculum‐guides.html
TeachingThingsFallApartinWisconsin
AResourceGuidebyHeatherDuBoisBourenane
IntroductionandOverview
Athematicapproachtoclosereading
First published in 1958, Chinua Achebe’sThings Fall Apartiseasilythemostrecognizableand
widely taught African novel in the U.S. It has been translated into at least 50 languages, and
soldover10million copiesworldwide,andhasappearedonmany“greatestbooksofalltimes”
lists around the world. But why? What is it about this classic story of transformation and
tragedythatmakesthisbooksoattractive tostudentsandeducators?Insomeways,the book
has come to represent Africa as a continent: it serves as a symbol of the injustices of
colonization and the internal forces that helped lead to the complete take‐over of Nigeria by
the British colonialists.But is has also become a symbol of postcolonial possibility, and the
importanttasktheAfricanwritertakesupwhenattemptingtoreclaimorrewritethestoriesof
his or her people. Because of this, educators have a double burden in teaching this highly
teachable book: they must both fully contextualize the novel in its own time and place, and
they must keep central to their approach to the text a constant reminder that while we can
learnmuchaboutthetruthsofthecolonialexperiencethroughthistext,itisaworkoffiction,
not a historical or anthropological tool for understanding contemporary Africa in all its
complexityanddiversity.

Todothis,wesuggestthatthebookbetaughtfromathematicframeworkwhichreliesonthe
close readingofkeypassages,emphasizing the relationship betweenthe formandcontentof
the novel and helping students navigate the development of key characters and themes to
negotiate how they create meaning in a Wi sconsin classroom.When taught from this
perspective, the book opens up worlds of opportunities for students to connect to the text,
appreciate its great literary merit, and gain a greater understanding of the themesandissues
developedinitspages.
HowtoUsethisGuide
Thelessonplansandactivitiesprovidedinthisguidearedesignedtoallowyoutheopportunity
to tailor the way you teach thenovel to your own course, interests, and goals. The individual
units could be taught over one or several days, and you can mix and match ideas from the
various sections to put together your own syllabus. Each section includes project ideas,
study/discussionquestions,andsuggestionsforfurtherteachingofthethemeorissuecovered,
as well as recommendations for material and concepts to be covered in lecture. Discussion
questionscanbeusedaspromptsforin‐classdiscussion,orforsmallgroupactivitiesorin‐class
writingassignments.
Logisticsforteachingthelessonsinthisguide
The lesson plans includedinthisguide have been sortedintonineunitsthatcanbe taught in
any sequence, but all of them except the first two generally assume that students have
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FAQs

What are the main themes explored in Things Fall Apart?
Things Fall Apart delves into several key themes, including the clash between traditional Igbo culture and British colonialism, the complexities of masculinity, and the struggle for identity in a changing world. Achebe illustrates how colonial forces disrupt the social fabric of Igbo society, leading to personal and communal tragedies. The novel also examines the role of fate and personal agency through the character of Okonkwo, whose tragic flaws contribute to his downfall. These themes resonate with contemporary discussions about cultural identity and the effects of colonization.
Who is Okonkwo and what drives his actions in the novel?
Okonkwo is the protagonist of Things Fall Apart, characterized as a proud and ambitious leader in the Igbo community. His actions are primarily driven by a fear of failure and a desire to distance himself from his father's perceived weakness. This fear leads him to adopt a rigid and often violent approach to masculinity, impacting his relationships with his family and community. Okonkwo's internal conflicts and societal pressures ultimately culminate in his tragic fate, highlighting the personal and cultural consequences of colonialism.
How does Achebe use proverbs in Things Fall Apart?
Proverbs play a significant role in Things Fall Apart, serving as a means of conveying cultural wisdom and moral lessons within the Igbo community. Achebe incorporates these sayings to enrich the narrative and provide insight into the values and beliefs of the characters. For instance, proverbs often reflect themes of fate, identity, and social norms, reinforcing the communal ties that bind the characters. This use of oral tradition not only enhances the authenticity of the narrative but also emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving culture.
What is the significance of the title 'Things Fall Apart'?
The title 'Things Fall Apart' encapsulates the central conflict of the novel, reflecting the disintegration of Igbo society under colonial rule. It signifies the personal and communal breakdown experienced by the characters, particularly Okonkwo, as they grapple with the changes imposed by external forces. The phrase also evokes the broader themes of loss, identity, and the struggle for agency in a rapidly changing world. Achebe's choice of title serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural traditions in the face of colonialism.
What role do women play in Things Fall Apart?
Women in Things Fall Apart are depicted in various roles that reflect the complexities of gender dynamics within Igbo society. While often relegated to traditional domestic roles, female characters like Ekwefi and Ezinma exhibit strength and resilience, challenging Okonkwo's rigid views on masculinity. Their relationships with male characters reveal the nuanced interplay of power and vulnerability, highlighting the importance of women in the cultural and social fabric of the community. Achebe's portrayal of women adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing their contributions to family and society.

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