Things Fall Apart
Understanding Theme and Genre
Ms. Elyze Davis
Preparing for the Lesson
• Please make sure you have…
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The Novel: Things Fall Apart
Pen
Paper
Computer and printer (provided)
Groups
•
Group #1
– Ashley
– Brittney
– John
– Tim
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Group #3
– Tiffany
– Victoria
– Zach
– Jeffrey
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Group #2
– Stephanie
– Kimberly
– Nate
– Brandon
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Group #4
– Janet
– Cristy
– Jack
– Allen
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Group #5
– Jane
– Kate
– Jamal
– Jerry
Instructions
• Have completed reading ‘Things
Fall Apart’ before the beginning of
this class.
• Answer questions posted on
PowerPoint and type them on the
computer
• Break into groups and compare
answers with each other.
• Complete group work. Create poster
board, power point, theatrical play
or any other visual element to the
assignment your group finds
suitable.
• Participate in class discussion.
Theme Definition
• Theme
– An idea or topic expanded in a discourse, discussion,
etc.
– A unifying idea, image, or motif, repeated or
developed throughout a work
Questions Concerning Theme
• What is Theme?
• What was the theme of the novel?
• In your words, what scene in the novel
adequately represents the main
characters and their struggles?
Theme Continued
• What aspects of the novel do you feel
where most important to the developing
theme?
• Discuss the struggle between change
and tradition within the novel.
• What are some of the interpretations of
masculinity in the novel?
Genre Definition
• Genre
– A category of artistic composition, as in music or
literature, marked by a distinctive style, form, or
content
– A kind, category, or sort, especially of literary or
artistic work
Questions Concerning Genre
• What genre did the text represent
• What is the effect of the special language used
throughout the novel?
• Point out other concepts in a text that relate to the
theme and/or genre.
Now What?
• Break into pre-assigned
groups and rap up
discussion and projects.
• Make sure your
presentation includes
responses to all of the
topic questions.
• 15 minutes to complete
task
• What is the theme of
the novel?
• General events and
character interaction
that create theme
• Evidence of theme
• What is the genre of
the novel?
• General events and
character interaction
that create genre
• Evidence of genre
– Quotes and page
numbers
– Quotes and page
numbers
Showcase Group Work
• One person from the
group will write group
discussion topics on
the board.
• Every group will have
a designated spot to
record information.
• Class discussion will
follow.
Teacher’s Thoughts
• Themes throughout
the novel include
– change
– loneliness
– abandonment
– fear
– importance of social
relationships.
Teacher’s Thoughts Continued
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Okonkwo builds his fortune and
strength with the help of his society's
customs.
•
When new cultures and religions meet,
there is likely to be a struggle for
dominance.
•
Christians and Okonkwo's people have
a limited view of each other, and have a
very difficult time understanding and
accepting one another's customs and
beliefs.
•
Okonkwo values tradition so highly that
he cannot accept change.
•
The struggle between change and
tradition is constant.
Reference: Sparknotes
Web Sites to Reference
• These web sites provide good information
concerning ‘Things Fall Apart’…
– http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/things/facts.html
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Things_Fall_Apart
Teachers Evaluation
• Group 1
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Compliment Good Evaluations
Explore ideas that need further development.
• Group 2
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Compliment Good Evaluations
Explore ideas that need further development.
• Group 3
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Compliment Good Evaluations
Explore ideas that need further development.
• Group 4
–
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Compliment Good Evaluations
Explore ideas that need further development.
• Group 5
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Compliment Good Evaluations
Explore ideas that need further development.
• Review notes from personal analysis.
• See how personal ideas and interpretations
have developed and expanded throughout
the class period.
• Include in final product.
Review Continued
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Review notes from
group discussion.
See how your ideas are
different from other students.
See how everyone's ideas can contribute to
the assignment.
• Include in final product.
Review Continued
• Review notes from class discussion.
• Make sure to record other groups ideas in
addition to your groups evaluation.
• Include in final product.
What Do You Know?
• Type, proof read and
edit ideas.
• Turn in all
completed work to
teacher.
– Group Work
– Individual Work
• Should already be
submitted.