Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Grade Level: 12th Grade (can be adapted for advanced 11th grade)

Subject: English Literature

Time Allotment: 2-3 Weeks (depending on depth of analysis)

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze the impact of colonialism on Igbo society in Things Fall Apart.
Students will be able to identify and analyze the major themes of tradition vs. modernity, masculinity, and the role of the individual vs. the community.
Students will be able to analyze Achebe's use of literary devices such as symbolism, characterization, and narrative structure.
Students will be able to discuss the novel's historical and cultural context.

Materials:

Lesson Procedures:

Day 1: Introduction and Context

Do Now: Brainstorm what students know about pre-colonial Africa. Briefly discuss misconceptions.
Introduction: Introduce Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart, and its historical context (colonialism in Nigeria). Briefly discuss the significance of the novel (one of the first major African novels written in English).
Discussion: What are some of the challenges a society might face when encountering a new culture? How might traditions be affected?
Activity: Students create a timeline of important events in the novel's historical context (e.g., arrival of Europeans, British colonization of Nigeria).

Days 2-4: Characters and Themes

Close Reading: Students read assigned chapters (e.g., Chapters 1-3) focusing on character development and thematic elements.
Discussion: Analyze Okonkwo, the protagonist. What are his strengths and weaknesses? How does he embody traditional Igbo values?
Activity: Character chart - Students create a chart to analyze key characters (Okonkwo, Unoka, Obierika, Ezeudu, etc.) noting their traits, motivations, and roles in the story.
Theme Exploration: Discuss the theme of tradition vs. modernity. How does the arrival of the white man challenge Igbo customs and beliefs?
Close Reading: Focus on specific passages that highlight this theme (e.g., arrival of the missionaries, clash between traditional and Christian beliefs).

Days 5-7: Plot and Literary Devices

Plot Analysis: Discuss the major plot points and turning points in the story. How does the conflict between Okonkwo and the white man build?
Activity: Storyboard - Students create a storyboard outlining the key events in the novel.
Literary Devices: Discuss symbolism and its use in the novel (e.g., the kola nut, the locust swarm). How do these symbols contribute to the themes?
Close Reading: Analyze specific passages where Achebe uses symbolism effectively.
Character Analysis: Discuss the role of masculinity in Igbo society. How does Okonkwo's definition of masculinity influence his actions?

Days 8-10: Discussion and Analysis

Socratic Seminar: Students lead a class discussion on a central theme of the novel (e.g., the impact of colonialism, the role of the individual vs. the community).
Debate: Divide the class into two sides and hold a debate on a controversial issue raised in the novel (e.g., the methods used by the white man, Okonkwo's actions).
Individual Analysis: Students write an essay analyzing a specific character, theme, or literary device in the novel.

Days 11-12 (Optional):

Research Project: Students research a specific aspect of Igbo culture or the history of colonialism in Nigeria.
Creative Writing: Students write a short story from the perspective of a different character in the novel.

Assessment:

Differentiation:

Provide scaffolding and support for struggling readers through graphic organizers, summaries, or audiobooks.
Offer choice in assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., essay, creative presentation, infographic).
Encourage advanced students to delve deeper into specific themes or historical aspects.

Extension Activities:

Watch a documentary or film about colonialism in Africa.
Compare and contrast Things Fall Apart with another novel that explores themes of cultural conflict.
Research and present on the Igbo religion and traditions.