1. Things Fall Apart Annotation
Elements of a Novel

2. What makes Achebe's work his?
Elements of a Novel
Setting
Plot
Character
Point of View
Theme
Stylistic choices
What makes Achebe's work his?

3. Setting Note time and place of events Note descriptions of locations
Note changes of time and place
Note local color: behavior, speech, details and other characteristics of a certain region, culture, or time depicted in a novel to add authenticity

4. Plot
Note significant events that develop the storyline including: conflicts, complications, rising action, climax, falling action, resolutions, etc.
Consider why Achebe divided the work into three parts.

5. Characterization
Keep a list of significant characters in the front of your text noting important page numbers for character development
Note details of characterization and motivation
Note the connections between characters, especially minor characters to the main character
Pay particular attention to the characters: Ikemefuna, Nwoye, Ezinma, Unoka, and Obierika

6. Elements of a Tragic Hero
What elements of a tragic hero are evident in Okonkwo.
Consider his hamartia, peripeteia, anagnorisis, catharsis, nemesis, etc.
Does the novel include all the elements or are there differences from the classic definition we learned?
Consider similarities and differences between Antigone, Julius Caesar, and Things Fall Apart.

7. Point of View What narrator is used?
Note tone: consider reflective, ironic, tragic, satirical (towards missionaries?), fable-like, sympathetic, but not sentimental. Find and note examples to support these as you read.
Pay attention to Achebe's awareness of both cultures. Is he even-handed?

8. Themes: Note examples and trace at the back of your book:
Masculinity and Femininity
Fate/destiny
Fear
Change and tradition
Culture Clashes
Religion
Ambition/Success/Failure
Anger

9. Motifs/Symbols/Imagery Note the repeated use of these as you read and trace:
Yams
Rituals
Fire
Night
Drums
Wrestling
Locusts
Death
culture
Silence
Proverbs
Nature
Agbala
Titles
Spirits/gods
Animals
Folktales
religion

10. Figurative Language/ syntax/Diction/Tense : Note the use of:
Similes/metaphors-tend to connect with culture/animals relevant to the Igbo
Short simple vocabulary and syntax
Past tense-allows reflection, retrospect (can put in bigger picture)
Igbo words, proverbs, and folktales