Things Fall Apart

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 2

11th Grade

Lesson 12 of 25

Objective


Explain the role of the egwugwu in the Umuofian judicial system.

Analyze the role of women in Umuofian society.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe  — Chapter 10

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Target Task


How does Achebe develop the idea that Umuofian culture does not value women as much as men? Provide evidence from the chapter to support your answer.

The “Classics in Context” article we read on day one of the unit discusses the concept of “cross-cutting ties” and “secret societies” and their importance to Igbo governance. Explain how today’s chapter develops the idea of the importance of cross-cutting ties.

Key Questions


  • How does Achebe show women’s subordination to men on p. 87?
  • How does he continue to develop this idea on p. 88?
  • What is the egwugwu house?
  • What is the significance of the sentences on pp. 89–90 that begin with, “Okonkwo’s wives…” through “within themselves”?
  • Summarize the conflict in the first trial.
  • How are the egwugwu similar to a judge or jury in Western court systems? Explain.
  • How does the following line from p. 94 help to develop the author’s message about women in Umuofian society? “I don’t know why such a trifle should come before the egwugwu.”
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Lesson 11

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Lesson 13

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