Chapter Three Flashcards
When Okonkwo is a boy, Unoka consults Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills. Why, and what does she say?
When Okonkwo is a boy, Unoka consults Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills, seeking guidance and
insight into his crop failures and poor harvests. Unoka is a struggling farmer and hopes to find a
solution to his financial troubles. Agbala is a revered spiritual entity in the Igbo society, often
consulted for divination and guidance. The Oracle delivers a harsh message to Unoka, predicting
that he will die in the midst of great fortune, warning him of the consequences of his imprudent
and carefree lifestyle. This prophecy adds to Unoka’s misfortune and contributes to the negative
perception that the community holds about him.
Who is the man that Okonkwo works for as a share-cropper, and why does he trust Okonkwo to farm his yam seeds?
The man that Okonkwo works for as a share-cropper is Nwakibie. Nwakibie is a wealthy and
respected member of Umuofia. He trusts Okonkwo to farm his yam seeds because Okonkwo is
known for his hard work, diligence, and determination. Okonkwo has a reputation for being a
strong and capable farmer, and Nwakibie sees him as someone who can be entrusted with the
responsibility of cultivating yam seeds. Nwakibie values hard work and success, and Okonkwo’s
reputation aligns with these principles, earning him the trust and respect of Nwakibie.
How are yams characterized by the people of Umuofia, and how does Okonkwo react to the disastrous growing season?
In Umuofia, yams are highly valued and symbolize wealth, prosperity, and success. They are
considered the king of crops and are associated with masculinity and strength. A man’s status in
the community is often measured by the quantity and quality of yams he can produce. When
Okonkwo experiences a disastrous growing season, with his yams destroyed due to heavy
rainfall, he reacts with intense frustration and disappointment. Yams are not only a source of
sustenance but also a status symbol for Okonkwo. The failure of his yams is a blow to his pride
and his standing in the community, as it threatens his reputation as a successful and powerful
man. Okonkwo’s reaction underscores the importance of yams in the culture of Umuofia and
the impact of agricultural success or failure on an individual’s social standing.
