Chapter Thirteen Flashcards
Describe what happens during a funeral ceremony in Umuofia.
In Umuofia, a funeral ceremony involves the preparation of the body, a period of mourning and
vigil, burial rituals conducted by religious leaders or elders, a communal feast for remembrance,
and various cultural customs. The community gathers to pay respects, offer condolences, and
provide support to the grieving family, emphasizing the cultural importance of honoring the
deceased and reinforcing social bonds through shared rituals and expressions of grief.
What happens to Ezeudu’s son and what does Okonkwo have to do?
Ezeudu’s son is killed during the funeral ceremony when Okonkwo’s gun accidentally goes off.
According to the tribal customs, such a death is considered a grave offense against the Earth
goddess, and compensation must be made to the family of the deceased. As a result, Okonkwo
is required to take his family into exile for seven years to appease the gods and cleanse the
village of the unintentional bloodshed. This event becomes a turning point in Okonkwo’s life and
contributes to the tragedy that unfolds in the latter part of the novel.
How does Obierika feel and what is Obierika thinking about at the end of the chapter? Why
Obierika expresses concern and sadness over the tragic events that have occurred, particularly
the accidental killing of Ezeudu’s son during the funeral ceremony. Obierika is troubled by the
consequences of Okonkwo’s actions, as it leads to Okonkwo and his family being forced into
exile for seven years. Obierika is thinking about the uncertainty and challenges that lie ahead for
Okonkwo and his family during their period of exile. He is also contemplating the broader
impact of these events on the community and the increasing tension between traditional
customs and the changes introduced by the presence of the British colonizers. Obierika’s
reflections foreshadow the deeper conflicts that will unfold in the narrative, reflecting the
broader themes of cultural clash and the erosion of traditional values in the face of external
forces.
