Things Fall Apart Web Quest
“Until the lions have their own historians,
the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Chinua Achebe
Directions: Today you will be going on an Internet-based web quest to get a deeper sense of the historical
and biographical references in the novel. Things Fall Apart is a critically diverse novel that explores several
different aspects African history, society, and culture. In a three-person group you will create a Google slides
presentation, answering the following questions using the links provided. You may supplement with your own
sources as needed. Be sure to use graphics to create an interesting and thorough presentation that answers
the questions and provides the requested information. Each person must contribute at least one slide from
each category (#1-3).
1. Content Area- Geography:
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http://www.nigerianmuse.com/20100527092749zg/sections/pictures-mapscartoons/maps-of-various-states-and-their-local-governments-in-nigeria/ Copy and label
the ethnic maps 1 & 2 of NIGERIA only
http://www.total-facts-about-nigeria.com/physical-map-of-nigeria.html On the same
slide, copy and label the physical map. Highlight Igbo* (the setting for our novel) using
Google tools.
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Using the following link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa-jan-june07ethnic_04-05 Locate the 4 major peoples, identify and read the linked information.
Write down 1 fact per people!
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Using the following link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa-jan-june07ethnic_04-05
Read the information about the Igbo culture and people. Highlight 5
significant and interesting facts about the Igbo people.

Use the following links to research Igbo customs, foods, traditions, festivals,
ceremonies, and the very important Kola Nut:
http://www.igboguide.org/ Explain and identify the following:
o FuFu (use Google search)
o The Kola Nut
o 1 Igbo Tradition
o 1 Igbo Ceremony
o 1 Igbo Custom
2. The Author- Chinua Achebe
ACHEBE, Chinua.
Full name: Albert Chinualumogu Achebe (1930- 2013), Nigerian novelist, poet, broadcaster,
and educator. He was born in Ogidi, an Ibo village near the Niger River, and educated at University
College, Ibadan (1948-53), and the University of London (1953). From the mid-1950s to the mid1960s he pursued a career in broadcasting, holding executive positions with the Nigerian
Broadcasting Corporation and the Voice of Nigeria. In recent decades he has held a succession of
teaching posts, notably a professorship at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Achebe's first novel, Things Fall Apart (1958), set the theme for his subsequent work: the
impact of Western influences on traditional African society. Among his later novels are Arrow of God
(1964), A Man of the People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Achebe's other works
include a short-story collection, Girls at War (1972), and Christmas in Biafra and Other Poems (1973),
winner of the Commonwealth Poetry Prize.
Using the information above and the following link, as well as your own internet sourcing (NO
Wikipedia!) http://www.biography.com/people/chinua-achebe-20617665, research the life of Chinua
Achebe. Create 1-3 slides the interestingly conveys answers to the following questions:
1. Achebe was born in the country of? In what year?
2. What village was he raised in?
3. He graduated from where?
4. Why did he leave Nigeria?
5. Professor of English for what 2 American colleges?
6. Became a famous ________ after he was appointed senior research fellow at the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
7. The Sunday Times of London named Achebe what?
8. Achebe has how many honorary doctorates from universities all over the world?
9. List 1 other piece he has written.
10. Watch at least one of the videos in the resources section, and explain what Achebe
describes as his purpose in writing his novels.
3. Final Article:
Read the following resources, and list 3 major issues in African history and briefly explain them.
http://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2013/apr/301.html
http://www.africaw.com/major-problems-facing-nigeria-today
http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/102651.pdf
http://www.zyama.com/Iowa/African%20History.htm
https://www.quora.com/African-History/Why-are-there-so-many-problems-in-Africa
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140330113753AAmgpnY