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Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart. By Chinua Achebe. Write this quote in your journal and reflect on what you think it means. “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunters.” - Achebe. From 1861-1904 the British govt. slowly took control of Nigeria.

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Things Fall Apart

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  1. Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe

  2. Write this quote in your journal and reflect on what you think it means. “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunters.” - Achebe

  3. From 1861-1904 the British govt. slowly took control of Nigeria. • Initially for slave trade, but later for palm oil, peanuts, rubber, cotton… • The British collected taxes from the Nigerian people and often had to intervene to control the population. • 1912 Collective Punishment Ordinance

  4. Nigerian Tribes • Over 200 ethnic groups • Ibo – eastern Nigeria • Yoruba - western • Hausa-Fulani – northern • Many religious groups – besides pagan religion • Ibo – Catholic • Yoruba – Protestant • Hausa-Fulani – Muslim

  5. Ibo (Igbo) Tribe • Divided into federations • Council of elders to settle disputes • Men are recognized for achievements through titles • Allows them power at council meetings • Can take multiple wives • Can gain more animals or farming land • Can build larger barns and more huts • Osu (untouchable) caste

  6. Ibo Religion • Polytheistic • Ani – earth god • Amadioha – god of thunder • Ekuensu – god of uncertainty • Pagan – nature religion • Festivals for the harvest of yams (week of peace) • Ancestor worship • Oracle of the hills and caves • Converted by Catholic missionaries as the British gained control of Nigeria.

  7. Chinua Achebe • Born into the Ibo tribe in 1930 • Christian family and missionary school • Went to college in Ibadan, Nigeria for English literary studies • Worked for the Nigerian Broadcasting Company (radio) • Moved to London in 1957 to work for the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) • Publishes Things Fall Apart in 1958

  8. Achebe’s Political Career • Moves back to Nigeria in 1967 when his tribe declares itself an independent state (Biafra) • Achebe supports the Ibo • Ibo lose the civil war • Multiple coups and dictatorships ensue • 1990 Achebe is in a major car accident that leaves him paralyzed from the waist down • Lives in Annandale, New York • Currently teaches at Bard College

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