Overview

Understanding the European colonization of Africa and its effects on the indigenous tribes of Africa is essential to understanding not only Achebe’s Things Fall Apart but also the impulses that led Achebe to write the novel. This handout gives students important background information on Africa’s colonization, Achebe’s place in his culture’s history, and the complex political and social implications of communicating a culture’s “story.” Use this handout to spark discussion and debate in your classroom and allow students to express personal experiences related to the issues described.

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