Things+Fall+Apart+Topic+Discussions

= GROUP DISCUSSION POSTS FOR //THINGS FALL APART// =

Instructions: For each chapter as assigned, add 1 QUOTE (and page #) and extended COMMENTARY that explores one of the following 5 topics.
==Provide context for the quote within the framework of the novel, but then also discuss what Achebe seems to be saying about the Ibo civilization and/or humanity in general. You may also compare/contrast to contemporary American culture if there is something interesting to note. Be sure to make an INFERENCE. Go beyond the obvious and the factual.==

Quote: "The other wives drank in the same way, in their proper order, and went away."
==Commentary: This is when Okonkwo goes to borrow seed yams from the elder farmer. There is a very particular system by which the family drinks the wine Okonkwo has brought. Since the eldest man drinks first, this shows the culture respects age. All the men drink first, in order of age, before any of the women drink. First wife has to drink first, and then second wife, etc., and each must kneel to drink and then leave when she is finished. This shows the patriarchy of the culture as well as the hierarchy of the wives and the status each carries. "First wife" is the most honored, probably because she has been married to her husband the longest and because she was the first he chose.... and she probably bore him his first child. Even though all the men drink first, the women are included in this communal ritual. This shows that the women are still honored as important members of the clan, even if they come second.==

RULES FOR RESPONSES TO OTHERS' POSTS:
== 1. Note what you agree with in your peer's commentary. ==

2. Add a further comment, which might be any of the following:
== - something you may disagree with in their commentary ==

- a comparison or contrast to something in contemporary American culture
= FISHBOWL DISCUSSION GUIDELINES (20 minutes each; 20 points for each speaker) = = = = -What you contribute (quality, depth, insightfulness, and details of your comments, not just repeating others) - 10 = = = = -How you contribute (How much you speak -- regulate yourself! -- relevance, timing, listening to others) - 10 =

== General rule of thumb: Each of you should aim for 4-6 solid, developed points during the 20-minute discussion plus a few shorter comments that offer follow-up to others' main points in open back-and-forth and keep a discussion strand going. Do not think that the more you speak, the more points you will earn. If you overly dominate, this will reduce your grade. ==

== 3. What are some interesting connections, comparisons, or contrasts we can make between this 19th-century Nigerian village and other cultures in the world across time? What does this say about some of the universal elements of the human experience? ==

=== - The moderator will start the discussion by introducing the topic and then mentioning an important sub-topic to discuss. Others will then join in with free-flowing commentary using examples from the text and commentary. ===

=== - SELF MONITOR your participation. If you are talking too much, force yourself to stay quiet until several others have shared. If you are not participating, force yourself to find an opportunity to speak up. GENERAL RULE OF THUMB: Do not add another comment until 3 others have spoken since the last time you spoke. Do not refrain from commenting so long that a few group members begin to dominate the conversation. ===

=== - When there are 5 minutes remaining, Ms. H. will interrupt (if necessary) and encourage anyone to participate who has not said much. Take this opportunity! Have specific points written down that you want to make so that you can say them when given the moment. IF YOU DO NOT SAY ANYTHING DURING THE DISCUSSION, YOU WILL EARN AN F. ===