Things Fall Apart

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 2

11th Grade

Lesson 23 of 25

Objective


Analyze Achebe’s use of irony and narration to communicate theme at the end of the novel.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Question 1

The main purpose of these lines (“be sure to leave the strong impression that without your intervention and your important book, Africa is doomed.”) is to 

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Question 2

It can be reasonably inferred that Achebe writes the final paragraph from the District Commissioner’s point of view in order to

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Question 3

In chapter 3 Achebe reveals Okonkwo’s fears of dying a shameful death like his father. Describe the irony of Okonkwo’s drive to separate himself from his father. Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • The author of the article uses satire in order to convey what about Western writers and Africa? Compare his message with Achebe’s message.
  • What does Obierika respond to the Commissioner’s inquiry on p. 206? How does this response make the Commissioner feel?
  • What do you think Obierika might mean when he says they can help him?
  • What is the significance of the following sentence from p. 207? “The resolute administrator in him gave way to the student of primitive customs.” What is Achebe’s tone here?
  • Who does Obierika blame for Okonkwo’s death?
  • What is the commissioner’s response to Okonkwo’s death? 
  • Draw parallels between the District Commissioner and Heart of Darkness.
  • There is a shift in narration in the final paragraph of the novel. What might be Achebe’s purpose for this shift? What does the reader learn?
  • What is the author’s tone toward the Commissioner based on this final paragraph? How does he develop the irony of this paragraph?
  • How does the final paragraph develop theme?
  • How does Okonkwo’s fatal flaw contribute to his death? How does colonialism contribute to his death?
  • Who/what is ultimately to blame for his death? What is your answer? How do you think Achebe would answer?

Notes


Students should read either the article or excerpts from the article “How to Write about Africa” as a Do Now or as homework prior to lesson 22. The focus of the reading should be to investigate the author’s use of satire and the message he communicates through his use of satire/irony. 

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Lesson 22

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Lesson 24

Lesson Map

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