things fall apart Flashcards
Who is Okonkwo?
A wealthy and respected warrior of the Umuofia clan
What haunted Okonkwo throughout his life?
The actions of his cowardly father, Unoka
What did Okonkwo become to counter his father’s legacy?
A clansman, warrior, farmer, and family provider extraordinaire
What is the name of Okonkwo’s son?
Nwoye
How does Okonkwo feel about Nwoye?
He finds him lazy and worries he will end up a failure like Unoka
What does Umuofia win in a settlement with a neighboring tribe?
A virgin and a fifteen-year-old boy
What is the name of the boy Okonkwo takes charge of?
Ikemefuna
How does Okonkwo feel about Ikemefuna?
He finds an ideal son in him but does not show affection
What happens during the Week of Peace?
Okonkwo beats his youngest wife, Ojiugo, breaking the peace
What do the villagers collect when locusts come to Umuofia?
They collect locusts because they are good to eat when cooked
What does Ogbuefi Ezeudu inform Okonkwo about Ikemefuna?
The Oracle has said Ikemefuna must be killed
What lie does Okonkwo tell Ikemefuna before his death?
That they must return him to his home village
What happens when Ikemefuna runs to Okonkwo for help?
Okonkwo cuts the boy down to avoid looking weak
What is Okonkwo’s emotional state after Ikemefuna’s death?
He sinks into a depression
Who helps revive Okonkwo during his depression?
His friend Obierika
What tragic event occurs at Ogbuefi Ezeudu’s funeral?
Okonkwo’s gun explodes and kills Ezeudu’s son
What punishment does Okonkwo receive for killing a clansman?
He must take his family into exile for seven years
Where does Okonkwo go into exile?
His mother’s natal village, Mbanta
Who helps Okonkwo during his exile?
His kinsmen, especially his uncle Uchendu
What does Obierika bring to Okonkwo during his exile?
Several bags of cowries from selling Okonkwo’s yams
What news does Obierika bring about another village?
Abame has been destroyed by the white man
Who are the missionaries that come to Mbanta?
Mr. Brown and his followers
What does Mr. Brown tell the villagers?
Their gods are false and worshipping more than one God is idolatrous
What happens when Reverend James Smith replaces Mr. Brown?
The converts are relieved to be free of restraint
What act does Enoch commit during the annual ceremony?
He unmaskes an egwugwu
What do the egwugwu do in retaliation for Enoch’s actions?
They burn Enoch’s compound and Reverend Smith’s church
What happens to the leaders of Umuofia when they meet with the District Commissioner?
They are handcuffed and thrown in jail
What does Okonkwo do when the court messengers approach?
He kills their leader with his machete
What realization does Okonkwo come to after killing the messenger?
His clan is not willing to go to war
What does Okonkwo do at the end of the story?
He hangs himself
What does Obierika explain about suicide according to custom?
It is a grave sin and none may touch Okonkwo’s body
What is the title of the book the District Commissioner is writing?
The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger
What cultural struggle is depicted in Things Fall Apart?
The struggle between change and tradition.
Who is Okonkwo and what does he resist?
Okonkwo resists the new political and religious orders.
What does Okonkwo’s sense of self-worth depend on?
Traditional standards by which society judges him.
Why do many clan outcasts embrace Christianity?
They find refuge from Igbo cultural values that place them below others.
What dilemma do the villagers face regarding change?
They struggle between resisting and embracing change.
What traditional methods are threatened by European influence?
Farming, harvesting, building, and cooking.
How does Achebe demonstrate the importance of language in the novel?
By emphasizing the complexity of the Igbo language and its cultural significance.
What does the word ‘agbala’ mean in the clan’s language?
A man who has not taken any expensive, prestige-indicating titles, also means ‘woman.’
How does Okonkwo’s exile affect his view of masculinity?
It reinforces his belief that men are stronger than women.
What does Okonkwo associate with masculinity?
Aggression and the display of anger.
What is the relationship between Okonkwo and his son Nwoye?
Nwoye resists Okonkwo’s expectations of becoming a warrior.
What ultimately leads Nwoye to convert to Christianity?
His desire to escape his father’s expectations and wrath.
What is Okonkwo’s greatest weakness?
His pride.
How does Okonkwo’s pride affect his relationships?
It leads him to disdain those who don’t meet his high standards.
What internal struggle does Okonkwo face throughout the novel?
Repressing his emotions.
What does Okonkwo believe about showing affection?
It is a sign of weakness.
What role do drums play in Umuofia?
They generate excitement and communicate specific information.
What is ‘ethnographic distance’?
A method in anthropology where researchers distance themselves from the culture they study.
How does the narrator use ethnographic distance in the novel?
To explain aspects of Igbo culture to non-Igbo readers.
What effect does Okonkwo’s violent behavior have on his family?
It deepens the wound between him and Nwoye.
Fill in the blank: Okonkwo’s violent actions stem from his fear of appearing _______.
[weak]
True or False: Okonkwo’s idea of manliness aligns perfectly with the clan’s values.
False.
