PROVERBS AND FABLES OF

THINGS FALL APART

Tuesday January, 19th

WARM UP: DATE Describe your favorite children’s story.

What was it about? Why did you like it?

TARGETS To understand how and why Achebe

uses proverbs in Things Fall Apart

ACTIVITIES Warm up

Proverbs Lecture

Proverbs Worksheet

Activate Prior knowledge

To understand the literary element Proverbs

To analaze how Achebe uses Proverbs in TFA

WHAT IS A PROVERB? A short pithy saying frequent and widespread use Expresses a basic truth or precept about

life A popular saying which provides advice

or states a generally held truth

WHAT IS A PROVERB?“ a proverb is a horse which can carry one

swiftly to the discovery of ideas” -Yoruba Proverb

WHAT IS A PROVERB? Proverbs are a very effective mode of

communication their correct and persuasive use in

speech is always taken as a sign of sound education, maturity, cultural sophistication and wisdom.

Achebe uses of proverbs counters western portrayals of native as gibberish or speaking in pidgin

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To Express Abstract Truths. truths may be abstract and difficult to

grasp. dramatizes and configures the bare

truths in the facts of everyday life and world.

In the proverb form the truths become so substantial that they stimulate the imagination and challenge the understanding.

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To Express Abstract Truths. Examples: Abstract Idea

Proverb: There is no quarrel between the eye and sleep. Learn to tolerate each other--Tolerance

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To Express Abstract Truths. Examples: Abstract Idea

Proverb: The freedom that comes from ignorance enslaves the one who entertains it. Knowledge is freedom

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To Express Abstract Truths. Examples: Abstract Idea

Proverb: It is only the stupid slave who says that his condition of bondage is good after a heavy meal. The freedom of self-determination is better than material well-being

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:Guide to Conduct. Many proverbs are used as bases for

judging unacceptable modes of behavior function as general guides to conduct.

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:Guide to Conduct. Examples: Principles

Proverb: You do not use the left hand to point the way to your father’s village.Learn to appreciate what you have

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:Guide to Conduct. Examples: Principles

Proverb: Once you have made up your mind to cross a river by walking through it, you do not mind getting your stomach wetBe firm in carrying out your resolutions

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:As commentary on human behavior Careful observations or commentary Provide useful insight in to human

behavior

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:As commentary on human behaviorExamples: Commentary

Proverb: A person who does not lick his lips cannot blame the charlatan for drying themPeople who are not prepared to help themselves are usually misrepresented and badly treated by others

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To express values moral, spiritual, humanistic, economic,

intellectul

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To express valuesValue-Orientation

Proverb: There is no wealth where there are no childrenthe importance of children

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To express valuesValue-Orientation

Proverb: Goodness sells itself; badness walks aroundThe value of a thing is in the inherent power that it has to satisfy human needs and it is that power that attracts people to it

WHAT IS A PROVERB?Among their many uses we can discern

the following:To express valuesExamples: Value orientation

Proverb: A person who does not lick his lips cannot blame the charlatan for drying themPeople who are not prepared to help themselves are usually misrepresented and badly treated by others

FABLE A short narrative or story Usually teaches a lesson or Makes a warning Frequently uses animal or non human

characters or that speak and act like humans

EXAMPLES OF FABLES Lion King (before Disney) The Emperor's New Clothes The Little Engine That Could

PROVERBS AND FABLES WORKSHEET “Among the Ibo, the art of

conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten” p.7

PROVERBS AND FABLES WORKSHEETFor each Proverb and Fable: Explain the proverb by identifying the

basic truth or message it is delivering Provide the context of the proverb or

fable by explaining to whom it is directed and how the advice applies to that person’s situation in the novel

In addition, for each fable create an illustration of the fable that includes:

The characters A dramatization of the lesson or advice

given in the fable