April 5th, 2011Yesterday, we read an excerpt (shortened version) of Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Half of a Yellow Sun Book Video

Re-

cap

What has been said about thisbook?

Today we reflect and develop our thoughts… Historical Context

Following the secession of Biafra on 30 May (announced by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu), the Nigerian government initiated a 'police action' with two columns of Federal troops heading into Biafra. The western column first headed towards Nsukka, north of Enugu, and the eastern column heading to Gakem, north east of Ogoja. The first confrontation was on 6 June 1967 when Nigerian Federal forces captured the town of Gakem, the start of three years of conflict which resulted in great human suffering – it is estimated that almost three million people died, mostly of hunger and disease.

Throughout our lesson we will attempt to pronounce terms and names correctly. Chimamanda is pronounced “Che-ma-manda”

Name: Biafra

Phonetic Pronunciation: bee-AHF-ruh

Discussion • What is historical

fiction? What does historical fiction offer that text books do not?

This novel was written after the war, about experiences prior to the war.

How does the author engage us as readers? What literary elements/devices and languages does she use to share this experience with us?

Language Shapes and Reflects Human Experience

National Anthem of Biafra

Biafran Heroes

The great men of Biafra and the agony of Biafran

war..

Britian and USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) work with Nigeria to commit genocide on Biafra…

unforgettable memory in the conscience of Britain till today.

The evil men do must live with them.

Many people (fans of Chimamanda) disliked the interviewer of the following interviews… Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Powerful words (1)

What is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s perception of America?

Chimamanda Adichie: Powerful words (2)

What does Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie think fiction should do?

Listen.Think.Share.

Develop an article about the author Assessment

…Continue thinking like a journalist…

Be sure to include 10 facts and 15 opinions (opinions about the author) (opinions of the author) Opinions of the war Facts about the war Facts about Half of a Yellow

Sun Facts about author

Start with a list (Facts and opinions)

Synthesize your list into 3 or more paragraphs

Refer back to today’s notes Use text annotations Use biography Use links and sources on

SchoolTown

Write in your Journal…

Song dedicated to Biafra

Closure

The song title: Land of the Rising Sun

The novel title: Half of a Yellow Sun