Understanding Theme and Genre Ms. Elyze Davis Things Fall Apart Understanding Theme and Genre Ms. Elyze Davis

Preparing for the Lesson Please make sure you have… The Novel: Things Fall Apart Pen Paper Computer and printer (provided)

Groups Group #1 Ashley Brittney John Tim Group #2 Stephanie Kimberly Nate Brandon Group #3 Tiffany Victoria Zach Jeffrey Group #4 Janet Cristy Jack Allen 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

Topics of Discussion What is the theme of the novel? General events and character interaction that create theme Evidence of theme Quotes and page numbers What is the genre of the novel? General events and character interaction that create genre Evidence of genre 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 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 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Compliment Good Evaluations Explore ideas that need further development. Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5

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 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.