Journal #19: Changes in Umuofia

Read through Chapter 21.  Describe the changes in Umuofia upon Okonkwo's return.  Which phrases, sentences, or passages of Achebe's are the most vivid in the description of these changes?

Journals 17 and 18: Things Fall Apart

Journal 17:  Nwoye's Conversion
After reading Chapter 16, explain why Nwoye joins the missionaries (1 paragraph.

Journal #18:  Sympathizing with Okonkwo?
After reading Chapter 17, answer the following:
1.  What is happening to Okonkwo's family?
2.  Do we sympathize with him?  Why or why not?  (1 paragraph total)

Final, Short Essay Question Options

Short Essay Question:  Two Choices

1.  How is this piece of African literature different than literature that you have read previously?  Based on what you have experienced from this novel so far, what are some unique characteristics of African literature that appear in Things Fall Apart, and please give examples to support your ideas. (3 paragraphs)

2.  In what ways does Achebe use this novel to confront and disprove false European colonial assumptions of African society and culture.  Use concrete examples from the novel in your response. (3 paragraphs)­­­

Journal #16: The Tortoise and the Birds

Describe what the folk tale, The Tortoise and the Birds, is about.  Why does Ekwefi tell Ezinma this story?  What is the moral lesson, and the lesson about nature?

Journal #15: Ezinma's Ogbanje

What does the story of Ezinma tell us about the customs and beliefs of this society?

Classwork for 12/13/13

Today in class, we read Things Fall Apart Chapters 3 and 4 and completed the following in our journals:

Journal #13: Proverbs from Chapter 3
Write down two proverbs from this chapter (or a previous one) and explain their meaning.

Journal #14: Subcultures
European perspectives often categorize all African cultures as the same.
In what ways does Achebe highlight the existence of “subcultures” within Igbo culture.



 

Classwork and Journal Entry for 12/12

Hi students,
If you were not here today (Thursday 12/12), the you need to read Chapter 2 and the first 3 pages of Chapter 3 in Things Fall Apart and then respond to the following prompt in your journal.

Journal #12:  Achebe uses the first chapters to contradict the stereotypical European representations of African society.  How does Achebe emphasize the harmony, communication norms, and overall complexity of Igbo society?