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Section 1: Overview

Character Influences

We will be introduced to the unit and the Culminating Task. We will read Part 1 of the novel Things Fall Apart, paying close attention to the development and influences of character traits through a study of both the external and internal factors that influence Okonkwo’s behavior.

  • Lesson 1:

    We will discuss the title of the novel in preparation for reading the text. Then we will discuss the Culminating Task for the unit.

  • Lesson 2:

    We will be introduced to Igbo culture and read the first chapter of Things Fall Apart.

  • Lesson 3:

    We will examine setting and characterization in Chapters 2–3 of Things Fall Apart.

  • Lesson 4:

    We will discuss the Igbo culture and Okonkwo’s personality.

  • Lesson 5:

    We will analyze Okonkwo’s attitude toward characteristics he deems as feminine.

  • Lesson 6:

    We will participate in a Socratic Seminar about the novel’s main character, Okonkwo.

  • Lesson 7:

    We will analyze Achebe’s use of character foils.

  • Lesson 8:

    We will analyze the rites and ceremonies in Chapters 10–11 to gain a better understanding of Igbo culture.

  • Lesson 9:

    We will examine two Igbo cultural ceremonies and discuss how the accident at the end of Chapter 13 will shape the rest of the novel.

  • Lesson 10:

    We will analyze how external factors contribute to the development of Okonkwo’s character.

  • Lesson 11:

    We will review feedback on the Section Diagnostic. We will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

  • Lesson 12:

    We will commence an Independent Reading Program in which we choose texts to read independently as we progress through the unit. We will learn how to choose texts, what activities we may complete, about the final task, and about any materials we will use as we read our independent reading texts. We will begin by reading our texts, using tools to help us take notes and analyze important textual elements.