Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe

Brainstorm:

What does the phrase “things fall apart” mean?

What kinds of things fall apart?

What do people do when stuff falls apart?

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

Chinua Achebe’s Life

Grew up in Ogidi, a village in NigeriaHis father taught at the missionary schoolIn 1958 Things Fall Apart was publishedCurrently teaches at Bard College

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.

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.

Okonkwo

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

Igbo, Nigeria- location of story

Ibo Villages

Few miles from each other- spoke different languagesCustoms:

4 day market weekThe kola nut ritualNew Yam festival

Igbo People

Nigeria figureThe University of Iowa

Museum of Art

Ibo Economy

Economy based on “root crops”

Men grew yam

Women grew beans, cassava, and cocoyam

Rituals

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

Yam Festival

Kola Nut

Kola NutsKola Nut Tree

Cassava

Igbo Masks

Igbo Masks Defined

Used during festivalsUsed during ceremoniesUsed to symbolize beauty