Here is the link you should view/listen to. In it Achebe reads and comments upon a particular passage in Part II of the novel (it is also below): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e1JEYsmmZY
Discussion Board:Read Parts II and III of Things Fall Apart, review the links and listen to the lecture.For your Thursday post, make an initial, longer post and ask at least three questions. Then come back to read other students’ post and answer at least 3 questions from 3 different students by the close of the Forum
You should develop your own interpretation of Parts II and III of novel by addressing at least three of the following:
1. How does Okonkwo’s life change during Parts II and III of the novel?
2. What changes do the colonizers bring and how does life in Umuofia change?
3. What is your response to the video link in which Chinua Achebe discusses a particular passage from Part II? What is the significance of this passage?
4. What other passage(s) do you find significant in the novel? Quote and discuss in detail.
5. How is “foreshadowing” used in the novel? Look up “foreshadowing” and define it; then select a passage from either Part I or Part II of the novel which you think exemplifies foreshadowing and discuss why.
6. What strategies do the British use to impose their rule on the area?
7. Discuss the three main representatives of the British: Mr Brown, Reverend Smith and the District Commissioner.
8. How do you understand the choice that Okonkwo makes at the end of the novel? Explain your reasoning.
9. Analyze the very last paragraph of the novel. Why do you think that Achebe ends his novel in this way? How is irony used in this paragraph?
10. Discuss Okonkwo as a “tragic hero.” What parallels do you see between Okonkwo and Oedipus both as character – and in relation to other aspects of the two works?
11. Discuss the theme of tradition and change in the novel: to what extent is Okonkwo’s inability to change part of his downfall?
In addition to developing an original post, you must ask 3 questions you still have about the novel and answer 3 questions from 3 different students. Make your initial posts and ask your questions early.