Name:
Honors English 9
Things Fall Apart
Summer 2013: Guided Reading Questions
Directions: As you read the novel and articles, consider the questions below. You may
write or type your responses on a separate sheet of paper. Each response should include
textual evidence to support your ideas.
These questions will be used as a starting point for class discussion and will serve as the
basis for an assignment during the first few weeks of school. Completion of the guided
reading questions is mandatory for all students.
Chunk 1
Things Fall Apart chapters 1-7
History Articles 1-4
1. Describe the traditional family unit and related customs of the Igbo (Ibo) people.
2. Describe the religious belief system of the Igbo (Ibo) people.
3. Why was the traditional Igbo society described in Things Fall Apart considered one of
the most democratic of Sub-Saharan Africa?
4. What are the major resources available in Nigeria today?
5. Describe the differences between agricultural production in the pre-colonial and postcolonial eras in Nigeria.
6. Gender roles play an important role in Ibo society. Discuss three scenes where gender
issues are explored. Provide specific examples, direct quotes, and page numbers to prove
supports. Each example should be a paragraph. Place your answer in the add comments
section.
Chunk 2
Things Fall Apart chapters 8-13
History Articles 5-7
1. Which European countries were involved in the scramble for Africa, and what was their
primary motivation for invading Africa?
2. In your own words, describe the outcomes of the Berlin Conference, and describe what,
in particular, made this conference so memorable.
3. Describe three ways that colonialism had an impact on Africa.
4. Describe how European colonists justified their actions, and describe the role
missionaries played during colonialism in Africa.
5. What was Leopold’s reason for colonizing the Belgian Congo? Describe the AIA, and
Henry M. Stanley’s role.
6. What does it mean to be civilized? How do you know? What are qualities of a civilized
people? Are the Ibo people civilized? Identify three ways in which you believe they are or
are not civilized. Your response should be at least three paragraphs. Identify support for
your ideas by using specific passages in the novel. Cite direct quotes and give page
numbers.
Chunk 3
Things Fall Apart chapters 14-end
History Articles 8-10
1. Describe how the changing balance of power in Europe changed attitudes towards
imperialism in the 1870s and give three reasons why new imperialism appeared so
remarkable.
2. How did technological advancements contribute to new imperialism?
3. How did the spread of Social Darwinism influence new imperialism?
4. Describe the ultimate goal of missions that has remained constant and how the focus of
missionary activity in Africa has shifted over the last 1,500 years. Be sure to mention the
involvement of missionaries in the anti-slavery movement and the impact of Samuel Ajayi
Crowther.
5. Compare and contrast pre-colonial and postcolonial land ownership policies.
6. What causes Okonkwo's downfall? Show a series of cause and effect relationships that
lead to his end. Is he a hero in any way? Your response should be at least three well-written
paragraphs. Cite specific passages in the novel to support your response. You must include
page numbers when citing direct passages.
Humanities Connection
1. What connections did you notice between the novel, Things Fall Apart, and the historical
articles? Explain your response in 8-10 sentences. Provide as much evidence and detail as
possible.