Curriculum / ELA / 11th Grade / Unit 2: Things Fall Apart / Lesson 3
ELA
Unit 2
11th Grade
Lesson 3 of 25
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Predict the major themes of the novel.
Analyze the author’s characterization of the protagonist, Okonkwo.
Poem: “The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats
Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe pp. 3 – 8
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved
Achebe’s choice of an excerpt from “The Second Coming” as his title
Which of the following best describes the relationship between Okonkwo and his father, Unoka?
“If a child washed his hands he could eat with kings.” Interpret this proverb from p. 8, and explain what it reveals about Okonkwo.
Describe how Achebe characterizes Okonkwo in chapter 1. Use specific details from the chapter to support your answer.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
Lesson 2
Lesson 4
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.
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.
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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