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Vultures Chinua Achebe

Vultures Chinua Achebe. Slide Contents. Author Social & Historical Context What is it About? Structure Language Examination Preparation Links. The Author. Chinua Achebe.

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Vultures Chinua Achebe

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  1. Vultures Chinua Achebe

  2. Slide Contents Author Social & Historical Context What is it About? Structure Language Examination Preparation Links

  3. The Author

  4. Chinua Achebe Chinua Achebe was born in Nigeria, West Africa in 1931. His father was a missionary and he was brought up as a Christian. In the late 1960s during the war between Nigeria and Biafra he and his wife and children were almost killed when their home was bombed. The war ended in 1970 when the Biafran population had been starved into defeat. Achebe wrote about the experiences of war in his 1971 collection Beware, Soul Brother where Vultures first appeared.

  5. Social & Historical Context

  6. Faces of War in the 2oth Century Children starved in the Nigeria - BiafranWar Although Achebe was born in Nigeria he worked for the government of Biafra and witness the terrible things that happened to the Biafran population by the Nigerians during the war. Published only a year after Biafra had lost the war Vultures reflects on the cruel and murderous deeds ‘ordinary’ people commit during war. Belsen concentration camp

  7. Check Your Understanding From what you have discovered so far try to answer one or both of the following questions: • What happened to the poets home during the Nigeria – Biafra war? • What tactic did the Nigerians use to force Biafra to surrender? • Who did Achebe work for during the war? • What would you say is the theme of this poem?

  8. What is it About?

  9. Brainstorm what you know about vultures. Use a spider diagram to help you organise your ideas. Vultures appearance Where they live How they live Where you have read about or seen them Things you associate with them

  10. The poem is divided into four sections. Read through each section and discuss with a partner what you think is happening. Write down your ideas in a table. Vultures

  11. The poem is divided into four sections. Read through each section and discuss with a partner what you think is happening. Write down your ideas in a table. Vultures

  12. Images of Vultures Consider the description of the vultures in the first section. Find quotes to show that the birds are disgusting and dangerous but can also be loving.

  13. Read the description of the Nazi Commandant in section two. Note down the contrasting imagery used Section Two

  14. Remember what we said about Chinua Achebe’s experiences of war? Re read lines 1 – 21. How do the actions of the vultures compare to the way people can behave in a war?

  15. Structure

  16. Example and Discussion The two main sections (Lines 1 to 29 and 30 to 51) of this poem are divided into two. We are given an example then the example is discussed. Try to find the example and discussion in each section.

  17. Language

  18. Contrast Evil Picked the eyes Swollen corpse Good Tender offspring Bounteous providence Many images in the poem contrast, emphasising the contrast between good and evil. Find examples of each and jot them down on the columns below.

  19. Imagery Think about the words the poet uses. Copy down the chart below. Make notes on what the poet’s words suggest to you.

  20. Imagery

  21. Poetic Techniques TechniqueDefinition Metaphor The use of the same sound at the start of words Alliteration A figure of speech not meant literally Onomatopoeiathe attribution of human qualities to an object PersonificationA word which imitates the sound it represents Match the technique with the correct definition.

  22. Poetic Techniques Think about the poetic techniques discussed on the last slide. Copy down the chart below. Find examples in the poem and write down the effect created.

  23. Check Understanding Using the notes you have made so far answer this question: Explain how Chinua Achebe uses language to comment on the inhumanity of war in ‘Vultures’.

  24. Homework • Due Friday • Read and make revision notes on pages 2 - 11

  25. ExaminationPreparation

  26. The Examination Paper • You will have 45 minutes to answer the question. • You will be asked to compare two poems. • You should begin by annotating the question for the key words. This will help you to understand what you are being asked to do. E.g. Compare ‘Vultures’ with one other poem, to show how the poets protest against inhumanity.

  27. Planning • Spend between 5 and 10 minutes making a plan. This will help you to order your essay logically. • Make a note of any key ideas you are going to include. • Leave at least 5 minutes at the end to read through your work and check for any basic errors.

  28. Structure A good answer should: • Write in paragraphs. • Don’t forget to P.E.E! Using a range of quotes that are properly embedded within your answer. • Begin with an introduction and end with a conclusion. There main body of the essay should follow these five steps to make a good answer: • Write a bit about the theme • Compare the structures of each poem • Compare the use of language in each poem • Compare the feelings of the poets • Write about how the poems make you feel.

  29. Similarity Connectives Equally In the same way Similarly Likewise Just as…also Contrast Connectives In contrast However Whereas (best used in the middle of a sentence) On the other hand Making Connections Use a series of comparisons, using connectives to link ideas, both within paragraphs and between paragraphs. Refer back to the question repeating the key words from it.

  30. Analysis Use the following words to link your Point -> Evidence -> Explain sentences. The use of these words will also help to ensure that your response is analytical. suggests implies gives the impression that shows highlights indicates To make the same point using a different example, try one of these: furthers emphasises reinforces

  31. Recap • When you are comparing poems you will be asked to look for the similarities and the differences. • You should comment on the language they use. What poetic devices are present? Imagery, similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, rhyme etc. What effect do they have on the reader? • You will need to comment on the structure of the poems. How are they set out? Does this add to their overall effect/meaning? • Consider the tone of the poems. What mood has the author created?

  32. Links

  33. Useful Stuff Vultures short films: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbdkp35A8Wc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi4UaW3Swlw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4838GG528U&feature=related BBC Bitesize Poems From Other Cultures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/poemscult/acheberev2.shtml

  34. More Useful Stuff Annotated PPT version of Vultures http://web.wheelerslane.bham.sch.uk/files/Vultures_0.ppt A copy of Vultures with notes & questions http://www.mrsbaltsas.org/Brit%20Lit/African_American_History_Month/Vultures_%20Chinua%20Achebe_Assignments.pdf

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