1. The story of my first marriage. . .
Things Fall Apart
The story of my first marriage. . .

2. Preconceptions of Africa
In your notes, free-write for two minutes on what comes to mind when you listen to the excerpt about Africa from Joseph Conrad’s novel, The Heart of Darkness
What images do you see?
What words leap out at you?
What conclusions can you draw based on the descriptions?
Be prepared to share your thoughts during class discussion

3. Chinua Achebe Born in southern Nigeria 1930
Raised by Christian parents
Learned English in the missionary schools
Dissatisfied by Colonialist’s account of Africa
Published Things Fall Apart in 1958 through a company in England

4. The Igbo People Southeastern Nigeria
One of several peoples in the region
Over eight million people today

5. Igbo Religion and Beliefs
Ancestry Worship
The Oracle/Diviner
Masks and Egwugwu
Week of Peace
Feast of the New Yam
Polytheistic
“Chukwu”
“Chi”
Ancestry Worship: one must appease the spirits of the dead in order to be successful
Oracle: one who communes with the gods; gives advice to create a healthy society
Egwugwu: one becomes the dead ancestor when donning the mask
Week of Peace: before the planting of yam seeds; pleases the gods for an abundant harvest
Feast of New Yam: celebration before harvesting to honor Ani, the earth goddess and ancestors
Chukwu: the supreme god

6. Igbo Culture Foods Yams, palm oil, kola nut Yams = men’s work Polygamy
Proverbs
“If one finger brought oil, it soiled the others”
“If a child washes his hands, he can eat with kings”
American samples?

7. Christian Missionaries
Arrived in Nigeria in late 19th Century
Some were comprised of former British slaves
1792:1000 ex-slaves
Established schools, hospitals, and churches
Sometimes used harsh governing methods
Ex: slaughter entire communities; take village elders hostage; pay Africans to rule harshly

8. Reading Strategy: Predict
Make three predictions as to what will happen in this story. You may comment on setting, character, conflict, or plot.