Things Fall Apart Test

This take-home test has been issued to you Tuesday, March 29. The test is due at the end of class on Thursday, March 31. Please read the test and sign the Honor Code at the end of the test. This test is not a "take home" test. You may consider the questions and make notes to assist in answering questions during class, but you may not bring in pre-written answers. If you have questions or concerns, it is your responsibility to contact Ms. Thaler prior to the due date during class. A copy of the rubric can be found on the web.

Please refer to the rubric for Bloom's taxonomy as a guide for the expected responses for full credit. Answer all questions on your own paper. Good luck and have fun!

Knowledge questions - 6.5%
Comprehension questions - 16.5%
Application questions - 17%
Analysis questions - 29%
Synthesis questions - 3.5%
Evaluation questions - 27.5%

1. For the following individuals, identify:
   
   • relation to Okonkwo - Knowledge
   • thoughts of Okonkwo - Analysis
   • Okonkwo's thoughts of them - Analysis
   • what happened to them in the story - Comprehension
   
   
   1. Ikemefuna
   2. Nwoye
   3. Ekwefi
   4. Ezinma
   5. Obierika
   
   
2. Define protagonist. Would Okonkwo, Umuofia, or neither be the protagonist in this novel? Justify your answer. Application
   
   
3. The plot of Things Fall Apart is guided by conflicts that affect Okonkwo's family and clan. Choose three different types of conflicts (man vs. ______), each from a different section of the novel (Part I, II, and III). Explain why Achebe includes this particular conflict to show his readers and its overall effect on the story. Application
   
   
4. Explain how the religion of Okonkwo's people and the Christianity that Mr. Brown brings compare. Include a minimum of two (2) examples from the text. Cite chapter and page. (Note: the question does not ask you to contrast, but to compare.) Analysis
   
   
5. Explain the importance of family to the people of Umuofia and the surrounding villages. Include three (3) examples - one from Okonkwo's family, one from another family, and one from the general society. Cite chapter and page. Analysis
   
   
6. Select three (3) of the following terms: colonialism, native, settler colony, hegemony, or colonial discourse. Define each term and explain how it does or does not relate to Things Fall Apart. Use at least two (2) quotations from the definition packet and two (2) quotations from the novel. Application
   
   
7. In chapter 15 (page 141 for many books), Uchendu says to his company, "The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others."
   
   1. What is a Ibo practice that was good for their people, but seen as an abomination by outsiders? Comprehension
   2. Justify that practice in Ibo terms. Analysis
   3. What is a British or Christian practice that was good for their people, but seen as an abomination to the Ibo? Comprehension
   4. Justify that practice in British or Christian terms. Analysis
   
   
8. Write the paragraph the District Commissioner would write about Okonkwo for his book. Synthesis
   
   
9. Did the people of this section of Nigeria in this book treat the whites as represented in this book fairly? Explain your answer using examples from the text. Evaluation
   
   
10. Did the whites as represented in this book treat the people of this section of Nigeria in this book fairly? Explain your answer using examples from the text. Evaluation
    
    
11. Things Fall Apart is a fictional account of the colonization of Nigeria. However, the fiction is based on the facts of Ibo tradition and experiences throughout this time period of the Ibo people. Is Achebe an objective author in presenting this historical fiction or does ethnic bias make him a subjective author? Support your position using examples from the text. Evaluation
    

Honor Code

I, ______________________________, certify that I will not give nor receive aid from any unauthorized source during the examination or in preparing the assignment. Authorized sources only include Ms. Thaler, a copy of Things Fall Apart without explaining notes, and the definition packets provided in class..

I, ______________________________, certify that I have neither given nor received aid from any unauthorized source during the examination or in preparing the assignment. Authorized sources only include Ms. Thaler, a copy of Things Fall Apart without explaining notes, and the definition packets provided in class.

Internet addresses to know: