# Literature Lesson Plan: Characterisation and Themes in 'Things Fall Apart'
## Grade Level
Senior Secondary 2 (Grade 11)
## Duration
2 hours
## Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Analyze and discuss the characterization of major and minor characters in "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe.
2. Identify and discuss the major themes presented in the novel.
3. Understand the significance of character actions and themes in the context of the story.
4. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through group discussions and written responses.
## Materials Needed
- Copies of "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if available)
- Handouts with discussion questions and character/theme charts
- Writing materials (notebooks, pens/pencils)
## Lesson Outline
### Introduction (20 minutes)
1. **Warm-up Activity** (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion on the significance of characterization and themes in literature.
- Ask students to name some of their favorite books or movies and describe a memorable character and theme from each.
2. **Introduction to "Things Fall Apart"** (5 minutes)
- Provide a brief overview of "Things Fall Apart" (author, setting, plot).
- Explain that the day's lesson will focus on character analysis and thematic exploration.
3. **Objectives and Agenda** (10 minutes)
- Clearly outline the objectives of the lesson.
- Go over the activity schedule to manage time effectively.
### Main Activities (70 minutes)
#### Activity 1: Character Analysis (30 minutes)
1. **Discussion and Group Work** (20 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a major character (e.g., Okonkwo, Nwoye, Ezinma, Ikemefuna, and Mr. Brown).
- Provide handouts with questions guiding their analysis (e.g., What are this character's main traits? How do they change over the course of the story? What motivates them?).
- Encourage students to use textual evidence to support their analysis.
2. **Presentation and Class Discussion** (10 minutes)
- Each group presents their findings to the class.
- Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging other students to provide additional insights or ask questions.
#### Activity 2: Thematic Exploration (40 minutes)
1. **Thematic Brainstorming** (10 minutes)
- On the whiteboard, write out a few prominent themes found in the book (e.g., tradition vs. change, fate vs. free will, masculinity and power).
- Ask students to brainstorm and suggest other themes they have identified while reading the book.
2. **Thematic Groups and Discussion** (20 minutes)
- Assign students to new groups, each focusing on one of the identified themes.
- Provide handouts with questions about the theme (e.g., How does this theme manifest in the story? Which characters and events are most strongly associated with this theme?).
- Group discussion should again use textual evidence to support their points.
3. **Group Presentations and Class Insights** (10 minutes)
- Each group presents their thematic analysis to the class.
- Hold a class discussion to synthesize ideas and encourage students to make connections between different themes.
### Conclusion (20 minutes)
1. **Reflection Questions** (10 minutes)
- Have students individually write a short reflection on how character and theme interplay to develop the larger narrative of "Things Fall Apart".
- Provide questions to guide their reflection (e.g., How does Okonkwo's character contribute to the overall theme of tradition vs. change?).
2. **Sharing and Feedback** (5 minutes)
- If time allows, invite a few students to share their reflections with the class.
- Provide oral feedback and praise thoughtful analysis.
3. **Homework Assignment** (5 minutes)
- Assign a short essay where students pick one character and one theme from the novel. They should write about how the selected character's actions and development help to illustrate the theme.
- Provide criteria for the essay (length, format, deadline).
### Assessment
- Participation in group discussions and presentations (formative assessment)
- Reflection writing during class (formative assessment)
- Homework essay on character and theme (summative assessment)
### Differentiation
- Provide additional support and scaffolding for students who may struggle with the complex analysis by giving them structured outlines or additional examples.
- Encourage advanced students to explore secondary themes or connect themes from "Things Fall Apart" to other texts they have read.
### Resources
- Achebe, Chinua. "Things Fall Apart." Heinemann, 1958.
- Online literary analysis resources and guides.
- Previous notes and annotations on the text.
By following this lesson plan, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Chinua Achebe uses character and theme to convey complex social, cultural, and individual issues in "Things Fall Apart".