Activity 2.6

Things Fall Apart, Chapters 5–6​

By Amari Beard

Multiple Choice

Which theme is most prominent so far in Things Fall Apart?

• A. Friendship vs. Conflict

• B. Strength vs. Weakness

• C. Dream vs. Reality

• D. Love vs. Betrayal

Multiple Choice

Which word best describes Okonkwo’s behavior toward his family in earlier chapters?

• A. Carefree

• C. Passive

• B. Harsh

• D. Excited

Multiple Choice

When we analyze character development, we are looking at:

• A. The timeline of events

• B. How the character changes and why

• C. The author’s personal beliefs

• D. The dictionary meaning of words

Standard	Focus in Lesson
RL.9-10.2	Students determine and track the theme of tradition vs. change.
RL.9-10.3	Students analyze how Okonkwo develops through conflict and cultural expectations.
RL.9-10.1	Students cite strong evidence to support their claims.

What Skills are We Addressing???

​Learning Objective

• I can determine the theme about cultural expectations and identity by analyzing key events in Chapters 5–6.

• I can analyze how Okonkwo’s character develops based on his interactions with others and support my ideas with strong text evidence.

​What / How / Why

What: We are analyzing how Okonkwo’s character and the theme of cultural expectations develop in Chapters 5–6.

How (Steps):

1. Read and annotate for key character interactions and emotional reactions.

2. Discuss how these interactions reveal character traits and cultural expectations.

3. Use direct quotations to support our explanations in discussion and writing.

Why: This helps us understand the deeper message the author communicates about culture, identity, and tradition.

Think of a time when someone you know hid their real emotions to appear “strong” or “tough.”

• Why did they hide how they felt?

• What happened because of it?

• Circle moments when Okonkwo reacts emotionally

• Underline interactions that show expectations for men & women

• Margin Note: “This shows Okonkwo values ___ because…”

​While reading Chapters 5 & 6

Active Reading Instructions

Multiple Choice

Which idea is shown through the Festival of the New Yam?

• The community emphasizes competition above all

• The community avoids family involvement

• The Igbo people dislike public gatherings

• B. The Igbo people value tradition and celebration

Multiple Choice

Okonkwo’s interest in the wrestling matches suggests that he:

• Dislikes competition

• Values physical strength and reputation

• Wants to avoid attention

• Prefers solitude and silence

Open Ended

Independent Practice: Short Response (4–6 sentences):
How do Okonkwo’s interactions in Chapters 5–6 help develop the theme of cultural expectations and masculinity?
Use one direct quote as evidence.

Multiple Choice

Read the excerpt:

Okonkwo was sitting on a goatskin already eating his first wife's meal. It was customary to say that a man had three wives, but Okonkwo had one big meal and two smaller ones. His wives worked hard enough to feed themselves and their children. Okonkwo never showed any emotion openly, unless it was the emotion of anger. To show affection was a sign of weakness; the only thing worth demonstrating was strength.

Even as a little boy, he had resented his father’s lack of control and gentleness. He mocked him and swore to be everything he was not. This determination shaped Okonkwo into the man he became—powerful, respected, and feared.

And yet, in moments with his children, there were rare signs of tenderness. Once in a while, he would sit quietly with Ezinma and listen to her stories. But his fondness only showed on very rare occasions, and only when no one could see.

How does the characterization of Okonkwo in this excerpt help develop a central theme of the novel?

• A. It shows that Okonkwo believes parents and children naturally struggle to understand each other.

• B. It shows that Okonkwo believes there must be clear and strict gender roles in order to maintain respect.

• C. It shows that Okonkwo values emotional honesty in his household.

• D. It shows that Okonkwo is uninterested in his children’s development.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence would make the strongest thesis for a paragraph analyzing the relationship between Ezinma and Obiageli?

• A. NO CHANGE

• B. Female characters, like Ezinma and Obiageli, are shown in traditional roles throughout the novel.

• C. Okonkwo has many children, including two daughters named Ezinma and Obiageli.

• D. Ezinma and Obiageli are sisters, but Ezinma is more mature and responsible than Obiageli.