things fall apart

Things Fall ApartBy Chinua Achebe

Study Questions (Chapters 9-10)

How do the women’s stories differ from the men’s? What lessons do they teach?

What do we learn about the Igbo attitude toward death?

Why does Achebe narrate the case of Uzowulu rather than another case? What do you think about the decision?

Berlin Conference1884-1885 (Nov. – Feb.)

80% of Africa is under traditional or local rule. Only coastal areas are colonized

At the request of Portugal and to diminish confusion, German Chancellor Otto Bismark convenes 14 Western “powers” to discuss control of Africa’s interior.

Major European Players: Great Britain

Germany, France Portugal.

Berlin Conference1884-1885 (Nov. – Feb.)

The 14 players are:

Germany Britain

Portugal Italy

FranceBelgium

Denmark Netherlands

Spain Turkey

Austria-Hungary Russia

Sweden-Norway USA

Convention concludes and the “scramble” continues until 1914. Africa is divided into 50 countries.

Berlin Conference1884-1885Africa is divided into 50 countries.

West African Empires17th- 19th Centuries

“Nigeria”/Igbo Land