Curriculum / ELA / 11th Grade / Unit 2: Things Fall Apart / Lesson 17
ELA
Unit 2
11th Grade
Lesson 17 of 25
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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.
Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe — Chapters 16 & 17
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
Which of the following best describes the villagers’ tone toward the missionaries on pp. 144–147?
Which quotation from these pages best establishes the tone as described in question 1?
Explain what Achebe reveals about Okonkwo’s character through his use of the symbol of fire. Use evidence from chapter 17 and/or other relevant parts of the novel.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
Students will need to read through the end of chapter 17 in order to answer target task 3. Consider giving target task 3 for homework or as a Do Now in lesson 17 if time does not permit it to be done during this lesson. It is preferable to not overly dwell on pp. 152 and 153 of the chapter, as they appear on the exam.
Lesson 16
Lesson 18
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 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.
Analyze Okonkwo’s reaction to his village and the village’s reaction to Okonkwo.
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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