Post on 12-Jan-2016
description
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