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Showing posts from May, 2017

Language of African Literature Blog Post

" While Ngugi’s extract was used to practice the annotation and structuring of a Paper 1, the content and theme of the article can also be used to inform a deeper appreciation of Things Fall Apart In what ways does this text influence your understanding of Achebe’s use of language and stylistic choices in Things Fall Apart?"            Ngugi’s discussion on his native language, and how colonial policies influenced it and his way of life directly lead to familiar topics discussed or alluded to in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”. Within “Things Fall Apart”, Achebe utilises Igbo proverbs, songs, folktales, and integrates the Igbo language into the text (uses Igbo words in certain parts of the novel). Because of Ngugi’s text, an addition depth or motivation is added to the understanding of Achebe’s use of language and stylistic choices in “Things Fall Apart”. Ngugi mentions that his people’s “…appreciation of the suggestive magical power of language was reinforced by the

Thesis Statement Assignment: Another One

With reference to Things Fall Apart, discuss how an understanding of gender influences how the text may be understood. Thesis Statement: Things Fall Apart features a more 'Ibo' understanding of gender roles, stating the importance of women; having different, but prominent roles in Ibo society. The character of Okonkwo demonstrates how the idea of masculinity can drive some to hate any type of femininity, however, the book also addresses how femininity and masculinity and often social constructs, using the characters of Ezinma and Nwoye. Topic Statements:  Things Fall Apart addresses the roles and importance women have in Ibo society, by having certain female characters in positions of influence, such as Chielo (a priestess) and Agbala (the Oracle of the hills) Okonkwo is shown throughout the book to dislike ideas associated with femininity in the Ibo culture, such as being title-less  or weak, due to his insecurities stemming from his fear of becoming like his father.

Thesis Statement Assignment

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole. Individual Points:        The conflict of religion, showcased in the latter part of the story, is exercised mainly through secondary characters and subplots. For example, Nwoye’s decision to convert, Enoch killing the sacred python, and the whole subplot of the church and the village         Ikemefuna as a secondary character, his killing showcases Okonkwo’s devotion to his culture; he puts his personal feelings aside. Also, his killing puts a strain on Okonkwo’s and Nwoye’s relationship. Furthermore, Ikemefuna, an innocent in the conflict, is killed for a crime he had no part in. This showcases the harsher side of Ibo culture         Ekwefi and her daughter Ezinma: their subplot, involving the idea of Ogbanje children. This subplot showcases yet another aspect of Ibo culture and religion. Various ideas on