THINGS FALL APART

Question 1

Theme: clash of cultures

Answer 1

The novel explores the tension between traditional Igbo culture and the influences of Western colonialism and Christianity. This is seen in Okonkwo’s resistance to change versus Nwoye’s acceptance of the new faith.

Question 2

Theme: Masculinity and Gender Roles

Answer 2

Okonkwo equates masculinity with strength and authority, and he rejects anything perceived as “weak” or “feminine.” This rigid view shapes his downfall and influences his relationships with his family.

Question 3

Theme: Fate vs. Free Will

Answer 3

Okonkwo’s life is shaped by his desire to defy his father’s legacy, but fate (or chi) also plays a significant role, as his downfall is partly beyond his control.

Question 4

Okonkwo

Answer 4

The protagonist, a respected leader in Umuofia. Driven by a fear of weakness, he often acts impulsively and struggles to adapt to societal change, leading to his tragic downfall.

Question 5

Nwoye

Answer 5

: Okonkwo’s eldest son, who is sensitive and struggles with his father’s expectations. He eventually converts to Christianity, symbolizing the generational and cultural divide.

Question 6

Ikemefuna

Answer 6

: A boy from another village who lives with Okonkwo’s family as part of a peace settlement. His tragic death profoundly affects Nwoye and foreshadows Okonkwo’s downfall.

Question 7

Mr. Brown

Answer 7

A missionary who uses respectful dialogue to win converts. He represents a more understanding and conciliatory approach to colonialism.

Question 8

Reverend Smith

Answer 8

Mr. Brown’s successor, who is uncompromising and confrontational. His methods escalate tensions between the Igbo and the colonizers.

Question 9

main themes

Answer 9

Masculinity
Ambition
Power
Religion
Fate vs freewill
Family
Respect and reputation
Fear
Tradition vs. change
Language
Pride
Colonialism
Death

Question 10

Symbol: The Locusts

Answer 10

The arrival of locusts symbolizes both abundance and destruction, mirroring the coming of the colonizers and the disruption they bring to Igbo society.

Question 11

Symbol: Fire

Answer 11

Okonkwo is often associated with fire, which represents both his passion and destructive tendencies. He describes himself as “a roaring flame,” reflecting his nature.

Question 12

Context: Colonialism

Answer 12

Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, the novel explores the impact of British colonization on traditional Igbo society and culture.

Question 13

Symbol: Yams

Answer 13

Yams are a symbol of masculinity, wealth, and success in Igbo culture. They represent Okonkwo’s ambition and societal standing.

Question 14

Context: Achebe’s Intention

Answer 14

Achebe wrote the novel to counter colonial narratives that portrayed African societies as primitive and chaotic. He wanted to show the complexity and richness of Igbo culture.

Question 15

ezinma

Answer 15

Okonkwo’s favorite daughter, who he wishes had been born a boy. Ezinma represents hope and potential, challenging traditional gender expectations.

Question 16

ekwefi

Answer 16

Okonkwo’s second wife and Ezinma’s mother. She has a deep bond with her daughter and represents maternal resilience and love.

Question 17

Obierika

Answer 17

Okonkwo’s close friend, who is thoughtful and critical of certain traditions. He represents a contrast to Okonkwo’s impulsive nature.

Question 18

Unoka

Answer 18

Okonkwo’s father, whose failure and debt cause Okonkwo great shame. Unoka’s life influences Okonkwo’s obsession with strength and success.

Question 19

list of intentions

Answer 19

• To show what life was like in pre-colonial Nigeria
• To celebrate, respect or explore traditional Igbo customs and beliefs
• To show the grandeur and the weakness of pre-colonial Igbo society
• To redress the balance of historical accounts of colonisation
• To criticise colonisation
• To criticise the ideas behind colonialism
• To emphasise the tragedy and tragic effects of colonisation

Question 20

first wife

Answer 20

never named

Question 21

third wife name

Answer 21

Ojiugo

Question 22

when is the book set

Answer 22

end of 19th century

Question 23

how do they treat women

Answer 23

• Have a bride price ( essentially are bought)
• Marry at very young age (16) to men that were older (25)
• Objectification of women was very common ( she was ripe for marriage)- comparison to fruit

Question 24

what happens in part 1

Answer 24

• okonkwo rules with a strong hand
• he is famous in his village and throughout
• shameful of his father
• ikemefuna is brought to live with him
• okonkwo disrupts the week of peace
• ikemefuna becomes close to everyone in the family
• the elders tell okonkwo ikemefuna needs to be killed but not by him, okonkwo does it anyway
• nwoye is deeply affected, and okonkwo also shows vulnerability
• Ezinma gets sick and is brought to Chielo
• okonkwo accidentally kills ezeudu’s son
• okonkwo is banished for 7 years to his motherland

Question 25

who is uchendu

Answer 25

his uncle

Question 26

what happens in part 2

Answer 26

- he is welcomed by his uncle - starts tor build a farm but is in despair, his uncle scolds him and tells him the importance of motherland - obierika visits him in his 2nd year bringing some money from his crop and a story that white men had killed an entire village - after another 2 years obierika returns with news that 2 missionaries have arrived in umuofia and built a church - its revealed that Nwoye joined the church and disowned his father - missionaries ask for land and recieve the evil forest where everyone thinks they'll die - they don't die and recieve more recriuts as they've shown power - nwoye permanently joins the missionaries after okonkwo attacks him - the sacred python is killed by the 'osu' but nothing really happens as they don't want to fight - okonkwo's exile ends and makes a big feast to express his gratitude

Question 27

what are osu

Answer 27

outcasts

Question 28

who is mr kiaga

Answer 28

missionary leader

Question 29

what happens in part 3

Answer 29

- has kept his daughters from marriage until they arrived back in umuofia, but is appalled when he says how things have spiralled - mr brown and an elder talk a lot, peacefully but don't convert each other - mr brown builds schools and hospital - then he gets sick and needs to leave - okonkwo learns nwoye is called isaac and is training to be a teacher - he decides he won't introduce his sons in the ozo yet - mr browns replacement mr smith is more strict - Enoch kills an egwugwu which enrages the clan - the clan allow the christians to stay but the church is burned down - okonkwo and other leqaders are invited to the white government - when they get there they are imprisoned and shaved their heads for 3 days - clan pays their release - next day a village meeting is called, and white messengers arrive to break it up, but okonkwo decapitates the leader - the clan doesn't respond with aggression and happiness which makes okonkwo understand they won't go to war and he is sad and demoralised - district commissioner arrives in umuofia to learn that okonkwo commited suicide - obierika tells him its all his fault and that okonkwo was a great man but the commissioner sees it as an addition to his book