English 217

Name___________________

Things Fall Apart Proverb Project

Below is an outline for a project that requires you to write a few original proverbs before developing one into a larger creative piece to present to the class. Introduction: What are proverbs? a. Proverbs are short well-known sayings that express an obvious truth and often offer advice. b. Examples in everyday conversation: i. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. ii. Actions speak louder than words. iii. Better safe than sorry. iv. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. v. It takes two to tango. c. Examples in Things Fall Apart i. "Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten" (p. 8) ii. "If a child washed his hands he could eat with kings" (p.8) iii. "A childs fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother put into its palm." (p. 67) iv. "When mother-cow is chewing its young ones watch its mouth." (p. 70-1) Part 1: Create your own proverb a. On your own, come up with 2-3 original proverbs. They may represent wisdom, a sense of humor, or hopefully, both. Part 2: Group activity a. In groups of 3-5, share your original proverbs. Discuss which proverbs you enjoy and why. b. With help from your group members, determine which of your original proverbs is the best. Step 3: Express your proverb a. Select one of the following ways to creatively express your original proverb: i. Piece of Art Work (i.e. collage, drawing)

ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Comic Strip Children's Book Skit Power Point Presentation Creative Story

Step 4: Explain your Proverb a. Included in your assignment to express your original proverb, you must explain how your artistic expression accurately represents your proverb. b. You may also choose to explain why proverbs are important to your own life and what they contribute to Achebe's novel. Step 5: Present your proverb a. Present your original proverb and explanatory collage, piece of artwork, narrative, comic strip, etc. to the class. i. Be sure to include your written explanation of your proverb and visual representation during your presentation. ii. Each presentation is limited to 3 minutes.