Chinua Achebe
Lesson plans for teaching Things Fall Apart and other works

| Biography and Background | | Things Fall Apart | | Other Works |

Biography and Background

Biography and related information about the novel and about Nigeria.

Biography.

Literary criticism from the Internet Public Library.

This TED talk (18:49) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.

The U. S. Library of Congress arranged a celebration of both Achebe's birthday and the 50-year anniversary of the publication of Things Fall Apart . After opening pleasantries, Achebe begins speaking about 16 minutes in, commenting on the novel and reading from it. The entire video webcast runs 72 minutes.

In this TED talk, researcher/reporter Dodson explores the complexity and ethics of explaining situations in Africa to the rest of the world. A good piece to introduce Achebe's essay, . Length: 11:25.

What would a traditional Nigerian village look like? Photo and additional information.

Students discover and evaluate the "new English" that has made Achebe "the father of African literature" and has placed Things Fall Apart on high school reading lists worldwide. This close reading exposes students to a unique point of view and foreign cultural experience and serves to expand their base of world literature. Students identify the linguistic and literary techniques Achebe uses to convey a sense of Igbo culture. They analyze the impact of the traditional oral elements to unlock the meanings and messages of the novel.

Things Fall Apart

A step by step interactive slide presentation that shows the 10th grade English student how to write a basic character analysis essay of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart . (Note: download in order for the buttons on the slides to work.)

A copy of Yeats's poem "The Second Coming," an overview of the novel, and excellent chapter-by-chapter discussion questions.

The three lessons at this site explore the historical context of the novel, the literary context in contrast to other writers, and linguistic and literary strategies used.

The three lessons at this site include mapping changes in African countries, telling stories from different perspectives, and comparing and contrasting views of Africa from different writers, such as Joseph Conrad.

The text of poem by William Butler Yeats from which the novel's title is drawn.

Writing prompts and study guide questions.

Several reading resources to support the novel, including an anticipation guide, a guided imagery activity, a KWHL chart, and more. Adobe Reader required for access.

This reading group guide includes 20 discussion questions.

Dialogues, notes and analysis, links to related resources, and teaching suggestions.

Book-club-style discussion questions.

This interactive site asks students to take on traditional roles and participate in village life. Be sure to click on "Information for Teachers."

Vocabulary from Things Fall Apart . Definitions and the word in context of the novel.

Chapter-by-chapter journal/discussion questions, postreading essay prompts designed for AP/IB students.

Follow the link to listen to author Chinua Achebe discussing Things Fall Apart .

Other Works

"Dead Men's Path"
After students read Achebe's story "Dead Men's Path," they are challenged to write Michael Obi's job evaluation. Access requires MS-Word or compatible application.

In this essay Achebe explores the racist elements in Conrad and in contemporary society.