Things Fall Apart

Worksheet Description

This catharsis worksheet prompts an exploration of Chinua Achebe’s seminal novel “Things Fall Apart,” guiding students through a critical assessment of its structure and thematic resonance. The first question invites students to identify the classical literary structure that Achebe employs, which is a traditional narrative arc encompassing exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, exemplified through the tragic journey of the protagonist, Okonkwo. A brief synopsis of the story is requested, encouraging students to encapsulate the novel’s portrayal of pre-colonial life in Nigeria and the impact of colonialism on Igbo society.

The worksheet further probes the presence of catharsis within the novel, challenging students to assess whether Achebe’s narrative evokes a powerful emotional release or intellectual enlightenment, as per the modern interpretation of the term. It encourages a debate on whether the reader experiences a purging of emotion or gains a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between individual aspirations and societal changes. By contemplating these questions, students delve into the novel’s ability to provide not only an emotional experience but also to offer insight into the human condition, thus fulfilling the dual aspect of catharsis as both an emotional and intellectual phenomenon.