English Literature - Things Fall Apart Points

On Nwoye and Ezinma

Nwoye - Point 1, Quote & Context

• Contrast to Okonkwo

• “Nwoye’s callow mind was greatly puzzled.”

• “preferred the stories that his mother used to tell”

• Meritocratic Ibo society

Nwoye - Point 2, Quote & Context

• Questioning Ibo Society

• “He did not understand it, but he was afraid to ask questions.” following ritual killing

• Polytheistic Patriarchal Society

Nwoye - Point 3, Quote & Context

• Conversion to Christianity

• “Nwoye went to Umuofia, where he joined the Christians.”

• Tragic loss of relationship with Okonkwo

Ezinma - Point 1, Quote & Context

• Relationship with Ekwefi

• “Ezinma did not call her mother Nne like all children; she called her by her name.”

• Special Bond → 9 children died before Ezinma → “centre of her [Ekwefi’s] world” → Double down from Iba → Made it especially painful for Ekwefi

Ezinma - Point 2, Quote & Context

• Relationship with Okonkwo

• “Who else among his children could have read his thoughts so well?”

• ““I wish she were a boy,” Okonkwo thought”

• Social-Cultural Context → patriarchal

  • Demonstrated by willingness to be manipulated by Okonkwo

    • “And she had agreed” to marry in Umuofia

Ezinma - Point 3, Quote & Context

• Her Link to the Supernatural

• “Everyone knew [Ezinma] was an ogbanje”.

• Special connection to Chielo - Oracle

  • “And how is my daughter, Ezinma?”

• Links to the Socio-cultural context

  • Polytheistic Society