Destiny & the role of chi in Things Fall Apart Goal: to examine the question, “How do much control do we have over our lives and who we are?”

Free write: 5 minutes What factors influence Okonkwo’s identity? Think beyond the fear of becoming like his father… What factors or beliefs in your life influence your identity?

Can these two definitions exist together? WE ARE PRESENTED WITH TWO CONFLICTING INTERPRETATIONS OF THE ROLE OF CHI IN AN INDIVIDUAL’S LIFE: Ch. 14 – “a man could not rise beyond the destiny of his chi” What does this mean? Ch. 4 – “when a man says yes, his chi says yes also” Can these two definitions exist together?

Chi In Igbo society chi is an individual’s personal god or guardian angel, or spirit. A person must work hard to be successful, but their success is also dependent on the support of their chi. Chi can also be conceptualized as someone’s personal fate or destiny. One’s identity is tied to their chi – the Igbo’s see things in dualities and the importance of maintaining balance in one’s life is key to a successful personal life and community. If one lives a life out of balance (Okonkwo for example) then they are going against their chi, and will suffer for it.

Analysis of why this matters… One could argue that Okonkwo’s central conflict lies in his constant struggle to understand and make sense of his own lot in life – sometimes he sees this as inevitable or something he can manipulate. We aren’t so different – in our own lives are we able to understand and make sense of our own destinies or chi? How much of what happens to us is a result of fate, or a result of our own actions and decisions? How do we know if what we choose aligns with our personal chi? In order to feel truly in control of our lives we have to understand who we are as individuals. Part of Okonkwo’s issue in the novel is that his perception of his identity is tied so tightly with the failure of his father – his whole identity has been formed around who his father isn’t. Where have you tied your identity? Where are you out of balance?

Read the article provided & listen to this Ted Talk Real world connection & some “food for thought” is your life out of balance? Read the article provided & listen to this Ted Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_art_of_stillness