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Lesson 6

We will discuss the characterizations of the District Commissioner and Okonkwo, and we will explore the use of figurative language in the novel.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I evaluate the effects of literary devices in the novel Things Fall Apart?

  • Can I take necessary action to prepare for the task?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, Penguin Random House, 1994

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We will use text-specific questions to consider the tone of the district commissioner’s words at the end of the novel.

Step 1

At the end of the novel, the District Commissioner is considering a book he plans to write about his experiences in Africa that he will entitle The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger (p. 209). In your Learning Log, imagine what this book will include and what it will not include. Respond to the following questions:

  1. What do you think the District Commissioner learns from Okonkwo’s death? Focus on this sentence: “One could almost write a whole chapter on him. Perhaps not a whole chapter, but a reasonable paragraph, at any rate” (pp. 208-209).

  2. What words from the final paragraph of Things Fall Apart help to create the tone at the ending of the novel? What does this tone tell you about the relationship between the District Commissioner and the Igbo?

  3. The words pacification and primitive are very loaded (p. 209). Consider the denotations (literal definition) and the connotations (implied meaning) of those words from the title of the District Commissioner’s book. Are their denotations and connotations the same? If not, how are they different and what does that tell you about the District Commissioner?

Discuss your responses with your group and then choose one of them to discuss with the class. Add to or modify your responses as you deepen your understanding about the District Commissioner’s tone.

Step 2

Reconsider the Central Question: What does it mean for things to fall apart?

Share with the class how your understanding of the Central Question has changed.

Activity 2: Read

We will examine Okonkwo’s beliefs.

Okonkwo expresses frustration that other men are not interested in fighting at the end of the novel, saying, "Worthy men are no more" (p. 200). In your Learning Log, respond to the following questions regarding Okonkwo’s statement:

  1. Why does Okwonko mean?

  2. What does this tell us about Okonkwo’s character?

Activity 3: Read

We will identify examples in which Achebe uses figurative language to develop rich characterizations.

Review Part 3 of the novel to find examples in which your chosen character uses figurative language or in which Achebe uses figurative language to describe that character. Analyze the figurative language used to develop your character by responding to the following questions for each quotation:

  1. What kind of figurative language is used in this quotation?

  2. How does this use of figurative language help to develop the character?

  3. How does this use of figurative language help to express the character’s voice or traits?

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will prepare for the Section Diagnostic.

Review the Section 3 Diagnostic Checklist.

Review your notes and the novel, and determine what character you will write about. Prepare for the Section Diagnostic by doing any of the tasks below:

  • drafting a potential claim

  • selecting important character descriptions

  • flagging specific passages in the book you want to reference

  • considering how you will organize your thoughts

  • determining how you want to conclude your Section Diagnostic

  • creating an outline or other organizational device to follow

  • completing a Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool or an Organizing Evidence Tool

Review your Mentor Sentence Journal. Select at least one technique that you plan to use when writing your response to the Section Diagnostic.

Review your Vocabulary Journal. Identify significant words that you would like to use in your response to the Section Diagnostic.