Things Fall Apart

Lesson 19
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ELA

Unit 2

11th Grade

Lesson 19 of 25

Objective


Analyze the disagreement between Okonkwo and Obierika, explaining how Achebe uses it to build theme.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe  — Chapter 20

  • Poem: “Mango Seedling” by Chinua Achebe 

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Target Task


Question 1

Which choice best describes the relationship between the poem and the chapter?

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Question 2

In chapter 20, Okonkwo advocates for fighting the white men and driving them out. Obierika argues that it is too late to be able to win that fight. With which man do you agree? Why? Use evidence from the novel to support your answer.

Question 3

With which man do you think Achebe would agree? Use evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • If section 1 of the novel gave us an initial characterization of Okonkwo and an introduction to the rich culture of the Igbo, what did section 2 give us?
  • Read “The Mango Seedling.” What does the mango seedling serve as a symbol for? What is Achebe’s major theme in this poem? How does he establish this theme?
  • What are Okonkwo’s goals for himself when he returns? Why?
  • At the bottom of p. 172, Okonkwo repeats his regret that Ezinma is not a boy. What reasons does he give? Because she is not a boy, what promise does he ask her to make? Why?
  • What is the villagers’ tone toward the white men’s court? (mocking, but also ironic) What evidence establishes this tone?
  • What is Achebe’s tone in this chapter? Why?
  • How does this tone help convey Achebe’s larger message about colonialism and culture?
  • Obierika says it is too late to drive out the white men. What reasons does he give?
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Lesson 18

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Lesson 20

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