Things Fall Apart Review

How was Unoka looked at by the rest of the village?

He was seen as a man with weak skills when it comes to his machete and a hoe.

How did Ikemefuna evolve and change throughout his three years in Okonkwo's household?

He became very popular within the household and had a good relationship with everybody, including Okonkwo.

Why was Okonkwo beating his wife, during the Sacred Week, such a big deal within the clan?

The Sacred Week was supposed to honor the great goddess of earth by being at peace with each other, but he broke the rule.

How has Nwoye and Ikemefuna's relationship changed how Ikemefuna feels about going back home?

They have become so close that Ikemefuna doesn't think of his mother and little sister as often as he used to.

What message did the Missionaries spread that caused great confusion within the village?

They said that the clan should leave their false Gods and worship the one true God so they will be saved once they die.

According to Things Fall Apart, what can we infer about Unoka and Okonkwo's relationship?

c. There wasn't a relationship Okonkwo was ashamed of Unoka

Okonkwo called Osugu a woman because in their culture, if you have no titles you are not a man. Why did the leaders not like what Okonkwo did?

Their culture is not meant for people to be mean.

Is the earth goddess important to their culture?

Yes, because it gives the people food

Okonkwo took Ikemefuna in the woods, so he could take him "home", but it was for him to kill Ikemefuna. What prompted Okonkwo to take part in his death knowing that it could affect him negatively?

He was afraid of being thought weak.

What moral did the folktale of the tortoise and the birds explain?

It shows the manipulation that people portray and how those who are being tricked can easily fall for the lies.

What was Unoka's main problem as an Igbo man?

He was a man considered a boy and never paid back his debts.

Why do you think Okonkwo tries to be so different from his father? (page 29)

His father was weak and a failure. He could not live with himself if he

known that that's what he would become. So, he tries to be strong and

successful.

Okonkwo's behavior changed after the death of Ikemefuna. Why do you think that is?

He began to mourn and felt regret.

or

Okonkwo felt like he messed up something good in his life. Ikemefuna was the son he wish he had.

What does Okonkwo think of what the white men were doing to their community?

They were clever because they were able to convert the clans with their religion, and he didn't like it.

As time went on, Ikemefuna and Nwoye grew closer. What did Ikemefuna do to Nwoye?

He acted as a big brother that taught Nwoye many things, which made Okonkwo see Nwoye as more masculine than before

Along with the religion, what else did the settlers bring to Umuofia?

They brought all these laws and systems like courts, prisons, and just business-related buildings.

When was Unoka happiest moments?

Playing music with his flute

Why was Okonkwo famous for in throughout the nine villages and beyond?

Wrestling

Why do you think the people of Umuofia maintain the belief that the Egwugwu are gods when they are clearly masked humans?

The belief of the Egwugwu as gods is as old as the town itself

or

They don't know what else to belief in

How do yams impact the ways in which men are viewed in Okonkwo's village?

Yams represent that the men are well established, wealthy, and hold many titles.

When Ikemefuna was transported to Okonkwo's village. He was not told of his true role as a sacrifice. Why is that?

He was a frightened little boy who was ripped from everything he knew.

Judging from Okonkwo's behavior after he participated in the execution of his step son Ikemefuna. What can you infer about the way he truly felt about Ikemefuna?

He felt a close bond with Ikemefuna and was heartbroken and disgusted with what he did.

Would you say that Okonkwo hanging himself was an act of cowardness or an act of pride? Answer based off his up bring and relationship with his father

It was cowardly because he couldn't face the punishment for his actions in his crime.

How does this quote relate to the Igbo culture? "The drums were still beating, persistent and unchanging. Their sound was no longer a separate thing from the living village. It was like the pulsation of its heart. It throbbed in the air, in the sunshine, and even in the trees, and filled the village with excitement."

The description of how the village reacts to the drums beating shows the long-term entitlement of using instruments at ceremonies. (Pg. 20)

What dedication does Okonkwo show toward what he truly loves throughout the entire book?

Okonkwo shows how much he loves his village.

In what way did Okonkwo's death relate to his fathers?

They both died failures (Pg. 86)

How does Okonkwo's fear of becoming as his father shape the type of person he is?

It makes him stronger and a better leader (Paragraph 1)

Is Okonkwo's death a positive or negative act within the story? Why?

Negative because that act was forbidden in their culture and they didn't even give a proper burial; and it showed he was weak

During what week does Okonkwo notice Ojiugo has left her hut to have her hair braided without having cooked dinner.

Week of peace

Why does the village hold the Feast of the New Yam?

to give thanks to the earth goddess

What clan does Okonkwo belong to?

Umofia

Why does Ikemefuma have to die?

The oracle said so

Who brings Okonkwo food when he is sick?

Enzima

How many of Ekwefi's children died in infancy?

9

What were the clan's ancestral spirits called?

Egwugwu

Who dies in chapter 13?

Ezeudu

Who was very interested in converting to Christianity?

Nwoye

Why does Nneka join the Christian church?

It would let her keep her twins

How did Okonkwo cure Ezinma's iba illness?

A potion

How long did Ikemefuna live in Okonkwo's household?

3 years

How many wives does Okonkwo have?

3

What does Okonkwo constantly wish Ezinma had been?

a son

How did Okonkwo die at the end of the book?

suicide

What is another name for the oracle?

agbala

How did the voicemail react to the colonizers coming to their land?

Why did the medicine man order there to be no funeral or mourning for the burial of Ekwefi's third child?

The body of the child was mutilated and buried in the Evil forest

and

It would make the ogbanje think about coming back again

What was Okonkwo's personality usually like?

violent and hot tempered

How does the presence of Ikemefuna change both Okonkwo and Nwoye?

Okonkwo becomes softer and Nwoye gains much knowledge

or

Okonkwo becomes more loving and aware, and Nwoye becomes more of a man and less of a boy

What did Enoch do that shocked the people of Umuofia?

Unmask an Egwugwu.

Where does each man wear the thread of his title?

ankle

When do the clan members share the kola nut?

When gathering for social occasions

Why are the villagers happy when the locusts arrive?

Because they represent future happiness

When the Igbo refer to the "iron-horse," what do they mean?

A bicycle

Based off of this passage, what can you infer about Nwoye and Ikemefuna's relationship?

a. Nwoye looked up to Ikemefuna and used him as an example

Based off of this passage, what can you infer about Okonkwo's feelings toward Ikemefuna's

death? (p. 28)

He was depressed; he couldn't even hold food down after Ikemefuna's death

Based off of the passage, what can you infer about Okonkwo's feelings toward his sons

versus Ezinma? (p. 72)

a. Although she was a girl, he still favored her more

Why are the villagers happy when the locusts arrive?

Because they represent future happiness

Based off of this passage, what can you infer about Nwoye and Ikemefuna's relationship?

a. Nwoye looked up to Ikemefuna and used him as an example

Why are the villagers happy when the locusts arrive?

Because they represent future happiness

Based off of this passage, what can you infer about Nwoye and Ikemefuna's relationship?

a. Nwoye looked up to Ikemefuna and used him as an example