Blog

IMPORTANT: For the paper, you are to answer ONLY ONE of the questions from below.I would recommend that you not wait until a couple of days before the deadline to begin writing the paper. It is a much better idea to spend several days thinking about which question you want to respond to. That includes brainstorming, organizing your thoughts, putting together an outline, communicating with your peers and discussing ideas, and then—and only then—starting to write the paper. However, that is only the first step. The writing process also involves revising, editing, revising again, and maybe writing some more. In other words, writing this paper should be a multi-step process. In the end, your paper will be much better for it.The essay should be between 1,000 and 1,250 words. A HARD COPY (Word document or PDF) Your final score will be based on (there is also a rubric for the paper posted under Grading Rubrics):Your ability to persuade, which includes using evidence, examples, and descriptions to support your points/argumentsHow sophisticated your argument is (interpretation, originality, analysis, explanations, and conclusions)How well you organize the paper (think introduction, body, and conclusion)The use of paragraphs and how well they are organized (a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph, for example)The clarity of thesis statement in introduction, and how well the thesis is argue and supported throughout the paperThe clarity and conciseness of your writingHow well you follow the rules of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spellingYou are free to use whichever style and format you are most comfortable with (Chicago Manual of Style, APA, or MLA). The GMU Writing Center is a good resource (see https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/writin

g-center-quick-guides). Also, be sure you give appropriate attribution to all quotes and citations. No matter the style you select, be consistent throughout your paper. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted.Lastly, there is no need to consult outside sources for the paper. However, if you’d like to access one outside source, that’s fine. But be sure you cite the source properly and acknowledge it wherever appropriate in the paper.QUESTIONS (respond to only one):Imperialism and colonization are two important themes in Things Fall Apart. Both themes are embodied in the English characters of the book. In a well-organized essay, compare and contrast three of these characters. How does their portrayal by Achebe reflect the historical realities of imperialism and colonization during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? Be sure to use details, evidence, and examples from the book to support your argument(s).The history of the colonization and subsequent takeover of Africa by western powers is often told from the perspective of the colonizer. How does Things Fall Apart offer a different narrative? Does the book make for a more complete understanding of the interaction and conflict that occurred as western nations invaded Africa territories and kingdoms? How so? Be specific and use historical evidence.At the end of Things Fall Apart, we learn that the District Commissioner intends to write a book titled The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger. What does the title of the book suggest about the commissioner’s attitudes toward the native populations in Africa? How does the title reflect the unfolding of history? Support your arguments with evidence from Things Fall Apart, the textbook for class, and/or other material from the course.