Things Fall Apart Thesis Statements and Outline

1. In at least two literary texts that you have studied, to what extent has an awareness of context enriched or enhanced your understanding?

Thesis statement:

Being set in an era that was prior to the Nigerian independence 'Things Fall Apart' allows the reader to get a glimpse into the strict social structure and cultural conflict that the protagonist struggles with. Whilst at the same time, the subjectivity of the Igbo society as a whole to the European colonizers religion, social and cultural structure is highlighted. Enriched understanding is created through the use of contrasting characters, view points and beliefs.

Topic sentence 1:

Due to the context of the book being set pre Nigerian Independence, the development of the historical, cultural and social contexts are displayed.

- The Igbo society's way of life prior to their colonization

- The Igbo people were subjected to an entire new religion (Christianity was introduced)

- Igbo values and traditions were undermined my their colonizers

Topic sentence 2:

The novel revolves around the genre of “realist fiction”, hence allowing the capability of thoughts and conclusions to be drawn.

- Igbo society's lives are portrayed through the lens of realist fiction, both social and political events are addressed ( the Igbo's way of gathering, their judicial system)

2. With reference to at least two literary texts that you have studied, how does the text conform to, or deviate from, the conventions of a particular genre, and for what purpose?

Thesis statement:

Achebe deviates from the conventions of a stereotypical expectation of a fiction genre based novel, rather he integrates the genre of 'realist fiction' throughout his novel, in doing so, it assists in the creation of a rich novel. Through the use of realist fiction, it allows the readers the capability to draw their own thoughts and conclusions about the novel, by doing so Achebe presents the lives of the Igbo society through the lens of realist fiction, he is able to highlight certain aspects of our contemporary lives such as social and political events. Alongside that, Achebe is capable of depicting both the worlds of the Igbo society, and the European colonizers.

Topic sentence 1:

Through Achebe presenting his novel in a non bias form, not only does it allow the readers to uphold a true perspective of both the Igbo society and the European colonizers but also it displays the truth.

- The Igbo society had their culture and traditions stripped away from them by the colonizers

- Gender inequality – still present in the 21^st century, displays the realities in which Achebe was capable of embedding throughout his novel in order to give his readers a better sense of the Igbo reality.

Topic sentence 2:

Achebe displays the positives and negative aspects of the Igbo society, he further enhances the realism of his novel and achieved cultural authenticity.

- Positive – display of the contradicting cultures, readers are able to compose their thoughts regarding both parties involved

-Negative- lack of acquiring various characters perspectives,

- Judgement, Igbo people are portrayed in a way that they are looked down upon as innocent civilians whereas the colonizers are portrayed in a negative light