Things Fall Apart

1. Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe

2. Brainstorm: • What does the phrase “things fall apart” mean? • What kinds of things fall apart? • What do people do when stuff falls apart?

3. Chinua Achebe’s Novels • Achebe's novels focus on the traditions of Igbo society, • the effect of Christian influences, and • the clash of values during and after the colonial era. www.wikipedia.com

4. Chinua Achebe’s Life • Grew up in Ogidi, a village in Nigeria • His father taught at the missionary school • In 1958 Things Fall Apart was published • Currently teaches at Bard College

5. Things Fall Apart: Purpose • Things Fall Apart is set in the 1890s, during the coming of the white man to Nigeria. • In part, the novel is a response and antidote to a large tradition of European literature in which Africans are depicted as primitive and mindless savages.

6. His purpose (cont) • His purpose is bringing dignity back to the individuals of Africa. • Consistently presented as ignorant, dark, almost sinister people with no sense of justice or purpose.

7. Okonkwo • It follows a tragic hero, as the title suggests. • It’s important to track him as he goes.

9. Igbo, Nigeria- location of story

10. Ibo Villages • Few miles from each other- spoke different languages • Customs: • 4 day market week • The kola nut ritual • New Yam festival

12. Igbo People • Nigeria figure • The University of Iowa Museum of Art

13. Ibo Economy Economy based on “root crops” Men grew yam Women grew beans, cassava, and cocoyam

14. Rituals • We are going to see a lot of rituals in the story….why might they be there?

15. Yam Festival

16. Kola Nut Kola Nuts • Kola Nut Tree

17. Cassava

18. Igbo Masks

19. Igbo Masks Defined • Used during festivals • Used during ceremonies • Used to symbolize beauty