World Lit

Things Fall Apart Analytical Essay Prompt

After carefully reading the selections, pick one of the following choices and write a complete,
thoughtful essay using specific references to the text. Be sure that your essay includes an
introduction that ends in an argumentative, specific thesis statement, multiple body paragraphs that
support your claims about the text, and a conclusion that ties your claims and analysis together.
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1. The District Commissioner, at the end of the novel, accuses the Ibo culture of being
primitive. Refute this over-simple accusation with an analysis of the sophistication of the Ibo
culture.
2. Chinua Achebe borrowed the title of the novel from William Butler Yeatss poem The
Second Coming. The allusion is taken from the following lines:
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world
Explore how things fall apart for Okonkwo and his people. What exactly is lost and how
does this centre not hold?
3. If Achebe is trying to empower the Igbo people through this story, why did he pick an
unfavorable (jerk) protagonist? Explore the authors choice by analyzing Okonkwos
relationship with the community, and how this incompatibility led to his ultimate demise.
4. Using the ideas presented in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies TED Talk, The Danger of a
Single Story, analyze the dangers in only hearing the oppressors side of the story by making
connections between Adichies arguments, what we know about the Igbo people, and how
the District Commissioners views on the Igbo people in the final chapter.
In order to address this prompt, you must re-watch The Danger of a Single
Story TED talk (linked in the absent folder) and take notes, drawing out
Adichies most relevant quotes/arguments for your essay.
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THE BASICS:

3-4 pages with 3-4 body paragraphs (one different piece of evidence per body paragraph)
A strong thesis that does not simply summarize the plot
At least one quote for each body paragraph, including analysis of the quote how does it
relate to/prove your thesis?
Topic sentences that are directly related to your thesis

QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? IDEAS?

Remember that I am always available in room 304 or via email (gilsonm@aaps.k12.mi.us) to chat
about your essay, look over a draft, and answer any questions/concerns that you have.
Adapted from Ken McGraw, Community High School