All things fall apart

Question 1

what happens in chapter 20

Answer 1

Things Fall Apartis divided into three parts, and Chapter 20 is the first chapter of Part 3.These chapters of the story look at Okonkwo’s return to Umuofia after seven years of banishment.As you read Chapter 20, look out for the following things:

• Okonkwo’s desire to regain the highest status in the village.
• Okonkwo’s feelings towards his children and his plans for them.
• The growth of the white men’s presence in Umuofia.
• The clash of Igbo and Christian values and customs.

Question 2

what happens in chapter 21

Answer 2

During Okonkwo’s time away, Umuofia has been taken over by white Christians who impose their government on the village. Part 3 of the novel looks at how this affects the Igbo people in different ways.

As you read Chapter 21, look out for the following things:

• Mr Brown’s attitude towards and interactions with the native Igbo people.
• The introduction of trade in Umuofia and its impact.
• Okonkwo’s return home after his banishment.
• The changes in Umuofia and the falling apart of the tribe.

Question 3

what happens in chapter 22

Answer 3

Upon his return to Umuofia after exile, Okonkwo sees that his fierce Umuofian tribe is falling apart because of the white men. In this chapter, we look at what happens when Mr Brown is replaced by the uncompromising Reverend James Smith as the head of the church.

As you read Chapter 22, look out for the following things:

• The differences between Mr Brown and Mr Smith.
• The dangers of becoming a religious fanatic (like Enoch).
• What happens to theegwugwuin this chapter, and the tribe’s reaction to this.
• The miscommunication between the tribe and the Christians, even with a translator.