The personal history of an author can have a significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influence in Things Fall Apart.

Thesis statement:
The personal history of an author could most likely have a great influence on the way they choose to write and what they may choose to include; this is evident in the novel Things Fall Apart, as Achebe writes about events that occurred in his country's past, the way meaning is constructed in his writing imply that these events are what helped Achebe become who he is today.


OUTLINE

Paragraph 1:
From Achebe's work, the reader can understand the dedication he has towards his home country, this can be shown forms he way he constructs his writing.
Paragraph 2:
The fact that Achebe chooses to set this novel in Nigeria, implies that he sees Nigeria as a base for his own identity.
Paragraph 3:
Achebe portrays the missionaries in the novel as the 'bad guys', however he shows appreciation towards them through his work.

With reference to Things Fall Apart, discuss how an understanding of gender influences how the text may be understood.

Thesis Statement: 
Gender is one of the most noteworthy and prominent themes explored in the novel Things Fall Apart. It is evident that there is a bold division line between the 2 genders; one receives more appreciation and value than the other. The term 'agbala' holds an important meaning in the igbo culture and all of the male characters aspire to disassociate themselves from that term as much as possible; this could arguably be the trigger to his high level of aggression and dominance over his wives.

OUTLINE

Paragraph 1:
Achebe illustrates the division line between females and males during that era by using offensive diction to describe women.
Paragraph 2:
It is suggested in the novel that there is conflict within males as well; they compete to be more masculine than one another.
Paragraph 3:
The women in the novel are shown to be degraded at all times throughout the novel.

Thesis Statement

With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole.

In the novel 'Things Fall Apart', it is evident that Chinua Achebe shines the spotlight primarily on Okonkwo's character, however it is crucial to mention that many of the other secondary characters surrounding Okonkwo are what manufactured him into the dominant and egotistical male figure he is shown to be. Okonwko is portrayed as a tragic hero in the novel; even though his father, Unoka, is not present throughout the novel, he is incredibly acknowledged and blamed. The secondary characters in the novel all contribute to eventually lead Okonkwo to his own downfall towards the end of the novel.