Essay Outline: The personal history of Chinua Achebe

Thesis: The personal history of Chinua Achebe, as a product of hybridized Anglo-African culture, was used as a means for catharsis, which is apparent through his attempt to illustrate a holistic view of both cultures.

Topic Sentence 1: Achebe reveals the apparent Manichaeism in each culture, in order to express his identity and unveil his internal conflicts as a product of hybridized Anglo-African culture.

Topic Sentence 2: Achebe depicts the merits and demerits of Igbo society, as he utilizes the sullen character of Okonkwo to portray the malignant faults in Igbo culture, yet juxtaposing his traits through the use of Uchendu.

Topic Sentence 3: Achebe illustrates the Christian society in an akin manner, as he portrays holism in their culture through utilizing Reverend Smith as the culprit and Mr. Brown to display the benevolent aspects of Christian society.

Essay Outline: Gender in Things Fall Apart

Thesis: Things Fall Apart may render gender ambivalence and withhold prominent gender roles, which if understood will enlist a greater understanding surrounding the contextual connotations of the novel, and the salient values of Igbo society.

Topic Sentence 1: In order to fully adhere to the themes, motifs and conceptual understandings pertaining to Things Fall Apart, an understanding of the gender roles embedded in the novel must be established.

• Discuss how gender roles provides a greater grasp regarding the motifs and themes within the novel.

Topic Sentence 2:  Moreover, an understanding of the patriarchal Igbo society will ultimately broaden the reader’s apprehension of Igbo social structure, values and political system.

• Discuss how an understanding of the patriarchal hierarchy in Igbo society allows the readers to conceptualize an enhanced understanding of Igbo politics.

Topic Sentence 3:  Henceforth, contextual and cultural knowledge surrounding the text can be achieved through appreciating the role gender and belief plays in their society.

• Discuss how the authentic elements of Things Fall Apart can be unraveled when appreciating gender roles within the text.