Chineau Achebe in Things Fall Apart

Prompt: The personal history of an author can have a significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influences in Things Fall Apart.

Thesis Statement

Chinua Achebe's personal history was deeply integrated within the core of Things Fall Apart through equally capturing both Igbo and Christian beliefs and customs. This was evident through the potent representation of the Igbo culture and community, as well as the Christian missionaries, to firm the backbone of Achebe's hybridized origin.

Topic Sentences

1. Through Achebe's unveiling of the complexities and hardships of both the Igbo and Christian faith, he is able to publicly voice his conflict in identity as a blend of both cultures

2. The dichotomy of the vulnerable Igbo community rooted by their blind conversion to Christianity, and the contrast of Okonkwo's firm grip to the Igbo ways, combating their surrender, composed Achebe's identity crisis, his depiction as a failed Igbo member, and the bidirectional nature of the Igbo.

3. The representation of Christianity through Reverend Brown and Reverend Smith displayed the positive and negative side of Christianity, in which Achebe converts to. 

Gender in Things Fall Apart

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, discuss how an understanding of gender influences how the text may be understood.

Thesis Statement:

Gender-related differences in Things Fall Apart cultivates distinct trails for Umuofian males and females, evident through customary Igbo practices such as ritual events, agriculture, child-care, and penalties that delve into societal realities of Igbo time to give the reader appreciation of culture, religion, and prominent themes.

Topic Sentences:

1. Gender in Things Fall Apart implants cultural variation that in turn projects its exclusivity to aid in the understanding of the values of the Igbo culture

2. The distinction of sexual category through gender in Things Fall Apart enhances the understanding of the chain of command within the Igbo government

3. Gender clogs central themes and internal conflicts such as hyper-masculinity, which in turn serves as the backbone for understanding the choices of characters in Things Fall Apart

Thesis Statement

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole. 

Chinua Achebe's selective implementation of interweaving plots and prominent secondary characters such as Nwoye, Unoka, and his three wives, cultivates the emergence of Okonkwo's character highlighting his tragic flaws in which cradle his path to downfall, the dilemmas implanted within the Igbo culture, and overarching premises penetrating through the foundation of the plot.