Contrasts
In literature, what are contrasts?
Sample answer:
In literature, contrast is the description of the differences between multiple entities.
Contrasts can be between characters, settings, plot points, etc.
In literature, what are conflicts?
Sample answer:
A conflict is a struggle between opposing forces. Every story will have conflicts since they drive the plot of the story.
What does the contrast between ____ and ___ reveal about Nigeria?
Sample answer:
The contrast between men and women reveal the values and traditions of pre-colonial Nigeria. The mistreatment of women through violence and "lesser" roles reveal the misogyny and dominant values. Through traditions of storytelling (war stories and fables), Achebe shows that males take on the typically dominant roles.
How does (certain plot event) develop the progression of certain characters?
Sample answer:
Ikemefuna's death impacts Okonkwo's life. Okonkwo kills his adopted son in order to show his strength. For the first major time, we see Okonkwo show regret and sadness. Ultimately, however, Okonkwo's stubborn values resurface and prevail as he becomes the same ruthless person after three days.
How does (a character's internal conflict) obstruct him or her?
Sample answer:
Okonkwo's inner conflict is the biggest obstruction in his life. His constant fear of being seen as weak controls all his actions and decisions. Everything Okonkwo does is to gain power and prestige. When he ultimately decides that he can't enforce these dominant values, he commits suicide instead of changing himself.
Why does the author use contrasts?
Sample answer:
The author uses contrasts to highlight certain qualities between different characters or events.
Identify two types of conflicts that an author may use.
Sample answer:
Internal Conflicts (mind vs. emotions)
External Conflicts (character vs. character)
What does the contrast between ____ and ___ reveal about Nigeria?
Sample answer:
The contrast between the Nigerians and missionaries reveals the different values and traditions of the two societies. By putting these differences side-to-side, especially to well-known Western ideas, the reader appreciates the uniqueness of the Nigerian people.
How does (certain plot event) develop the progression of certain characters?
Sample answer:
Okonkwo's exile is the first time we see the character deal with adversity. He struggles internally to keep being himself as everything is taken away from him. He continues to work but there is no passion or excitement in it. His seven years in exile show the reader how Okonkwo reacts in a different environment. His longing and desperate need to return to Umuofia contributes to his anger when everything changes in his return.
How does (a character's external conflict) obstruct him or her?
Sample answer:
The missionaries arriving in Umuofia obstruct Okonkwo's wishes. Upon returning from exile, Okonkwo wants to regain his power and have everything return to normal conditions. This is prevented by the missionaries who have changed some people in the clan to embrace new values and traditions.
Name three ways that an author contrasts two things.
Sample answers:
Juxtaposition, oxymoron, antithesis, foil characters, paradox.
Tone, point of view, speaker, setting.
Identify an important plot point in Things Fall Apart.
Sample answer:
The killing of Ikemefuna and Okonkwo's exile from the tribe.
How does the contrast between ___ and ____ contribute to the overall theme of Things Fall Apart?
Sample answer:
The long-lasting traditions and set values of the Nigerians demonstrates staticity and stagnant society. This allows for a desire for change when the missionaries arrive, causing Okonkwo's world to fall apart. Okonkwo's obsessive value for power and respect contribute to his final demise.
The author used contrast to show the toxicity and negativity that comes with an inability to adapt and change with new circumstances.
Does (certain plot event) reveal competing value systems?
Sample answer:
Ikemefuna's killing revealed competing value systems in Okonkwo. Throughout the novel, Okonkwo values strength, power, and respect. He despises the thought of being seen as weak or emotional. For the first time, we see this value system being challenged by Okonkwo's emotions. He feels regret and sadness for killing Ikemefuna. For a while, he succumbs to this new value system but ultimately returns to his old ways.
How does (a character's internal conflict) contribute to the overall theme of Things Fall Apart?
Sample answer:
Okonkwo's struggle to let go of toxic values contribute to his demise. When he returns from exile, he desires the same power and respect he had before he left. Ultimately, his inability to adapt to his changing environment literally kills him. Achebe shows, through Okonkwo, the harm that comes with stagnation.
Identify a social contrast in Things Fall Apart
Sample answer:
Chinua Achebe contrasts the behavior and role of men and women throughout the novel.
Identify an internal conflict in Things Fall Apart.
Sample answer:
Throughout the novel, Okonkwo has an inner conflict between his outward appearance and emotions. His fear of being seen as weak, causes him to act in certain ways.
How does the contrast between ___ and ____ contribute to the overall theme of Things Fall Apart?
Sample answer:
By contrasting Nigerian traditions to more traditionally-known, Western customs, Achebe shows that Nigeria is still in a pre-modern era. Additionally, the people embracing contradicting ideas and values show the desire for change into a new era. The author used contrast to show the toxicity and negativity that comes with an inability to adapt and change with new circumstances.
How does Achebe use (certain plot event) to build suspense or anticipation?
The aftermath of Ikemefuna's death builds major anticipation. For the first time, we see Okonkwo show emotions that aren't anger. The reader is excited to see if Okonkwo will finally change into a better person.
How does (a character's external conflict) contribute to the overall theme of Things Fall Apart?
Sample answer:
The conflict between the Nigerians and the missionaries reveals the difference in societies and their values. However, Okonkwo's response to the missionaries (violence and hatred) shows the harm that comes with being stuck in the past. Okonkwo is stuck in a different mentality while everyone has moved onto different traditions, values, religion, etc.
Identify a contrast of tradition and values in Things Fall Apart.
Sample answer:
Chinua Achebe contrasts the values and traditions of pre-colonial Nigeria to 19th century Europeans.
Identify an external conflict in Things Fall Apart.
Sample answer:
There is a conflict between the Nigerians and missionaries. They share different values and traditions. There are acts of violence to try to settle the conflict.
How does (certain plot event) contribute to the overall theme of Things Fall Apart?
Sample answer:
Okonkwo's exile and its results contribute to the overall theme of change in Things Fall Apart. We see that even during his exile, Okonkwo is the same person. In his return, we see characters like Nwoye thrive and find happiness due to adaptation and embracing change. In contrast, Okonkwo is so desperate to have things return to how they were. Ultimately, his inability to adapt causes him to commit suicide.
What is the resolution of the conflict and how does it influence the reader?
Sample answer:
The ultimate resolution of the main conflicts in the story is Okonkwo's suicide. Instead of changing and embracing new ideas, Okonkwo kills himself in a final act of rebellion to change. This resolution shows the reader the detriment and negativity that comes with stubbornness and stagnation.