1. LESSON 2: CHARACTER AND THEME
Things to Know Before You Start
&
A Review of the Homework Questions

2. GUESS WHAT No notes for this lesson. It’s pretty simple.
“Thank you, teacher.”

3. #5- What was Mr. Obi’s greatest fault in the story
#5- What was Mr. Obi’s greatest fault in the story? Describe how his actions and words show this flaw. Use at least two details from the passge to support your answer.
Mr. Obi’s greatest fault in the story is his prideful disregard for tradition. The fact that he listens to the priest “with a satisfied smile on his face” shows his arrogant belief that his modern way is the right way (Achebe 43). Mr. Obi even makes a joke out of the matter: “I don’t suppose the ancestors will find the little detour too burdensome” (Achebe 43). These actions and words illustrate that Mr. Obi is too proud to listen to the priest and consider his request.

4. #6- What is the theme of the story?
D- Elders deserve respect. The priest tells Mr. Obi about the importance of the path to the villagers, but because Mr. Obi laughs at him and does not follow his directions, a woman dies and the town blames Mr. Obi. Had he respected his elders, his school property would not have been vandalized.
Not A because “modern ways” are what get Mr. Obi into trouble
Not B because the story does not actually show ghosts are real
Not C because talk is the reason Obi’s school is burned

5. #7- How does the author use action to show that the villagers are angry about the footpath closure?
C- You can infer that because the villagers were upset about the woman who died because of the path being blocked (which is their belief), they retaliated against Mr. Obi (since he’s the reason the path is blocked) by tearing up what is important to him: the school.
A may show the villagers are worried since they sent the priest, but not angry
In the text is says the priest bangs his stick to emphasis points, not to show anger
The superintendent’s report would show his feelings, not the villagers’

6. #8- The priest meets with Mr. Obi to convince him to reopen the path
#8- The priest meets with Mr. Obi to convince him to reopen the path. He is MOST like–
B – the priest is trying to convince Mr. Obi to do something that may not make sense to Mr. Obi but means a lot to the superstitious villagers. This is very much like a Native American trying to convince people to stop killing buffalo, since killing buffalo wouldn’t mean much to white people, but is very important to Native Americans.
A is about convincing someone that size does not play a role in worth.
C is about a contest
D is about having wishes granted by magic