Language Arts 7 Name: ________
Winter 07.08
Things Fall Apart: Chi Assignment
We will begin reading and studying a novel by Chinue Achebe, Things Fall Apart, the story of the tragic fall of Okonkwo, a great leader of a Nigerian tribe, as well as the destruction of the Igbo culture. The Igbo people come into conflict with Christian missionaries who want to bring “God” to Okonkwo’s people. However, the Igbo have their own beliefs: a central concept for the Igbo people is the idea that each person has his or her own “chi” or personal god(dess). A person’s “chi” is his or her personal spirit.
At its simplest level, chi parallels the Western concept of soul, although chi is a more complex idea. The Igbo believe that an individual’s fate and abilities for the coming life are assigned to the chi, and each individual is given a chi by the Creator (Chukwu) at the moment of conception. Before each reincarnation, the individual bargains for improved circumstances in the next life. The chi thus becomes one’s personal god that guides one to fulfill the expected destiny. On the one hand, the individual is ruled by his chi, but on the other hand, only the individual can make the most of the fate planned through the chi.
Achebe (the author) has explained the Igbo concept of “chi” this way: each individual has a chi, a “spirit being” parallel to his physical being. Thus, the concept of “chi” also entails a necessary duality in the world – “wherever something stands, something else will stand beside it.” The importance of “chi” is also demonstrated by the frequency with which it appears as an element in Nigerian names, and in its incorporation into the name of the supreme god, Chukwu (= “Chi Ukwo,” or “Great Chi”).
This novel will serve as a starting point for us to talk about rites of passage and to explore various cultures’ approaches to this ritual. As you begin thinking about who you are and who you want to become, consider what your “chi” is – what is your personal goddess or deity? What does she look like? What sort of symbols might represent her? What does your individual spirt encompass? Do you feel any sort of destiny or fate pulling you in ceetain directions? Do you feel that your “chi” has free-will and that there is no destiny or fate set in place but that you will make your own way?
These are diffuclut questions that humans have struggled with for thousands of years in cultures all over the world. To help you explore this age-old question, you will engage in a two part study of your “chi”: a visual exploration and a written exploration.
1. Visual Art: Lindsey will guide you through the creation of an altar for your “chi.”
2. Creative Writing: as a way of defining your chi, write a story, a poem, an essay, or some other creative writing piece that gives the reader an idea of what your chi is – what she looks like – what she does – who she is. Have some fun with this assignment, and challenge yourself to take risks in your writing style and your content. First Draft Due on Tuesday, January 15th at the beginning of class.