Curriculum / ELA / 11th Grade / Unit 2: Things Fall Apart / Lesson 20
ELA
Unit 2
11th Grade
Lesson 20 of 25
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Analyze Okonkwo’s reaction to his village and the village’s reaction to Okonkwo.
Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe — Chapter 21
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
The main purpose of lines 6–10 (“In this way…to his school.”) on p. 181 is to
Compare Okonkwo’s plans for his return to Umuofia with the reality of his return to Umuofia. Explain how this reality impacts Okonkwo.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
Lesson 21 includes the reading of two chapters in the novel. The teacher may wish to assign some pages for homework on this evening or even start chapter 22 in class on day 20 given that chapter 21 is so short.
Lesson 19
Lesson 21
Infer Achebe’s purpose(s) for writing Things Fall Apart.
Gather basic information about the Igbo people and the impact of European colonization on the Igbo.
Predict the major themes of the novel.
Analyze the author’s characterization of the protagonist, Okonkwo.
Analyze the continued characterization of Okonkwo in chapter 2.
Describe how the author uses setting, nonlinear plot, and characterization to develop theme.
Identify examples of techniques Achebe uses to counteract Europeans’ simplistic stereotypes of Africans.
Analyze Achebe’s portrayal of women in chapter 4.
Trace Achebe’s development of Okonkwo’s tragic flaw.
Students will analyze how Achebe further develops Okonkwo’s hyper masculinity as a fatal flaw in chapter 5.
Explain how the author establishes the significance of the wrestling match to the people of Umuofia.
Analyze Okonkwo’s decision to disobey the Oracle and how this decision develops theme.
Analyze Achebe’s use of Obierika as a foil for Okonkwo.
Analyze the importance of children to the lives of women in Umuofia.
Explain the role of the egwugwu in the Umuofian judicial system.
Analyze the role of women in Umuofian society.
Explain how Achebe develops the theme of the individual and community in chapter 11.
Writing
Craft an essay that answers the prompt.
Analyze how Achebe develops the importance of strong and harmonious ties to the Igbo community.
Explain the development of Okonkwo’s tragic flaw in chapter 13.
Trace the author’s continued development of the importance of strong harmonious ties within a community.
Analyze the shift in tone toward the missionaries over the course of chapter 16.
Analyze the symbolism of fire as it relates to Achebe’s characterization of Okonkwo’s relationships.
Analyze how Achebe develops both the theme of community and colonization in these chapters.
Analyze the disagreement between Okonkwo and Obierika, explaining how Achebe uses it to build theme.
Students will be able to analyze how Achebe brings the conflict to a climax in these chapters.
Analyze how the author develops Okonkwo’s character in chapter 24.
Analyze Achebe’s use of irony and narration to communicate theme at the end of the novel.
Review
Review major themes and events of the text in order to review for tomorrow’s exam.
Assessment
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