Proverbs and Fables in Things Fall Apart “Among the Ibo, the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten” (Achebe p.7).

Warm up: Discuss… Describe your favorite children’s story. What was it about? Why did you like it?

Today’s Objective: To understand how and why Achebe uses proverbs in Things Fall Apart.

What is a proverb? A short pithy saying frequent and widespread use Expresses a basic truth or precept about life A popular saying which provides advice or states a generally held truth

What is a proverb? “ A proverb is a horse which can carry one swiftly to the discovery of ideas.” -Yoruba Proverb

What is a proverb? Proverbs can be a very effective mode of communication. their correct and persuasive use in speech is always taken as a sign of sound education, maturity, cultural sophistication and wisdom. Achebe’s use of proverbs counters western portrayals of the native African languages as being gibberish or speaking in pidgin.

What is a proverb? 1.) To Express Abstract Truths. Among their many uses we can discern the following: 1.) To Express Abstract Truths. truths may be abstract and difficult to grasp. dramatizes and configures the bare truths in the facts of everyday life and world. In the proverb form, the truths become so substantial that they stimulate the imagination and challenge the understanding.

What is a proverb? Example: Abstract Idea Proverb: There is no quarrel between the eye and sleep. Lesson from this Proverb: Learn to tolerate each other  Tolerance

What is a proverb? Another Example: Proverb: The freedom that comes from ignorance enslaves the one who entertains it. Lesson from this Proverb: Knowledge is freedom

What is a proverb? Another Example: Proverb: It is only the stupid slave who says that his condition of bondage is good after a heavy meal. Lesson: The freedom of self-determination is better than material well-being.

What is a proverb? 2.) A Guide to Conduct. Among their many uses we can also discern the following: 2.) A Guide to Conduct. Many proverbs are used as bases for judging unacceptable modes of behavior function as general guides to conduct.

What is a proverb? Example: Proverb: You do not use the left hand to point the way to your father’s village. Lesson: Learn to appreciate what you have

What is a proverb? A Guide to Conduct. Another Example: Proverb: Once you have made up your mind to cross a river by walking through it, you do not mind getting your stomach wet Lesson: Be firm in carrying out your resolutions

What is a proverb? 3.) As a commentary on human behavior Among their many uses we can also discern the following: 3.) As a commentary on human behavior Careful observations or commentary Provide useful insight in to human behavior

What is a proverb? As a commentary on human behavior Example: Proverb: A person who does not lick his lips cannot blame the charlatan (the imposter, fraud) for drying them Lesson: People who are not prepared to help themselves are usually misrepresented and badly treated by others

What is a proverb? 4.) To express values Among their many uses we can also discern the following: 4.) To express values moral, spiritual, humanistic, economic, intellectual

What is a proverb? To express values Example: Proverb: There is no wealth where there are no children Lesson: the importance/value of children

What is a proverb? To express values Example: Proverb: Goodness sells itself; badness walks around. Lesson: The value of a thing is in the inherent power that it has to satisfy human needs and it is that power that attracts people to it

Assignment Review: review ‘Analyzing Proverbs’ novel assignment…. Fables lesson next……..

Fable A short narrative or story Usually teaches a lesson or moral Makes a warning Frequently uses animal or non human characters that speak and act like humans (see Unit 2 Study Guide notes)

Examples of fables The Lion King (NOT the Disney movie version, the original story!) The Emperor's New Clothes The Little Engine That Could Little Red Riding Hood The Tortoise and the Hare

fables The fables and folktales in Things Fall Apart demonstrate a central aspect of Igbo culture, reveal the values essential to the Igbo, and reflect the destructive relationship between the Igbo tribe and the Christian missionaries.

Fable Fables in TFA each serve a slightly different purpose. Some are practical and explain daily phenomena. Others demonstrate values that are important to the clan and serve as a warning for the consequences of bad behavior, or to encourage knowledge before action.

GrouP Activity: Now, open your novel. You will read four fables in TFA. For each fable listed: your group needs to read it together, and discuss it in order to determine the message/point of that particular fable. Then, write it down. Each group member will contribute equally and each group will turn in 1 paper with all member names written on it.

TFA Fables: 1. The Vulture and the Sky (Chapter 7, pg. 53-54) 2. The Mosquito and Ear (Chapter 9, pg. 75) 3. The Leaves and the Snakelizard (Chapter 9, 83- 84) 4. How Tortoise Got His Bumpy Shell (Chapter 11, pg. 96-99)