Things Fall Apart Guide

1. Symbols:Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Yams: Yams are a crop grown only by men. They are a symbol of masculinity and ability as a provider.

Fire: Okonkwo’s nickname is “Roaring Flame”—aggressive, powerful, and strong-willed. But fire destroys things, just like Okonkwo.

Colonists: Change, Christianity, ending of Ibo culture.

2. Real World Connections: What does it remind you of?

1. A movie- Avatar, Rocky, Harry Potter?
2. Book- Twilight, Ender’s Game, Shakespeare?
3. Ancient Hawaii, family, friends, places?

3. Literary Elements:

1. Foreshadowing: What and why you think will happen next- trouble, murder, wealth…
2. Tone/Mood: What does it make you feel, emotions.
3. Characters: round, flat, dynamic, static, Tragic hero, hamartia.

4. Compare/Contrast:

1. Umuofia-Hawaii
2. Umuofia-USA
3. Yams-Taro
4. Okonkwo-???
5. How women are treated: then vs. now.

PREDICT: What would you do if...?