Chapters 1–5 of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Flashcards

Why was Okonkwo famous in the nine villages?

He defeated the undefeated wrestler Amalinze the Cat (who had not been thrown for seven years) and became a wealthy yam farmer and respected warrior.

Who is Unoka, and why does Okonkwo hate everything about him?

Okonkwo’s father—lazy, always in debt, loved playing the flute and language, died of a shameful swelling (abomination to the earth goddess) and was left in the Evil Forest. Okonkwo fears becoming weak and unsuccessful like him.

What is Okonkwo’s greatest fear and greatest passion?

Fear = being like his weak father Unoka. Passion = becoming the opposite—strong, respected, titled, and wealthy through hard work.

Why do the men of Umuofia hold a meeting in Chapter 2?

A woman from Umuofia was murdered in the Mbaino market. They decide to demand a virgin and a young boy from Mbaino or go to war.

Who is Ikemefuna and what happens to him?

The 15-year-old boy given to Umuofia as part of the peace settlement. He is placed in Okonkwo’s household for “safekeeping and instruction.” He becomes like a son and bonds with Nwoye.

How did Okonkwo build his prosperous farm from nothing?

He started as a sharecropper for the wealthy Nwakibie (who gave him 800 yam seeds after Okonkwo showed respect and determination). Despite a terrible year of drought and floods, he succeeded through sheer will.

What is Nwoye like, and how does Okonkwo treat him?

Okonkwo’s oldest son—lazy and sensitive like Unoka. Okonkwo beats and nags him constantly, fearing he will turn out weak.

Describe Okonkwo’s household and compound.

Three wives, eight children (each wife has her own hut), his own obi (personal hut), a yam barn, ancestral shrine, medicine hut, all inside a red mud wall. He rules it like a tyrant out of fear of failure.

What is the Week of Peace?

A sacred time before planting season dedicated to the earth goddess Ani. No one may work, fight, or speak unkindly—any violence is an abomination (nso-ani) that risks the whole clan’s harvest.

What terrible thing does Okonkwo do during the Week of Peace (Chapter 4)?

He beats his youngest wife Ojiugo savagely because she went to braid her hair instead of cooking dinner.

What punishment does Okonkwo receive for breaking the Week of Peace?

He must sacrifice a nanny goat and a hen to the earth goddess and pay a fine (one length of cloth and 100 cowries). The priest Ezeani refuses his kola nut at first.

How does Ikemefuna change life in Okonkwo’s family?

He settles in, tells wonderful folktales, makes flutes and traps, becomes an older brother to Nwoye (who starts to seem more masculine), and even calls Okonkwo “father.” Okonkwo secretly likes him but hides it.

What is the Feast of the New Yam (Chapter 5), and how does Okonkwo feel about it?

A celebration before the harvest to thank the earth goddess Ani—old yams are thrown out, new ones eaten, huts scrubbed, women paint with cam wood. Okonkwo hates the idleness and gets angry at the preparations.

What does Okonkwo do in anger during the Feast preparations?

He beats his second wife Ekwefi for cutting banana leaves (a tiny offense), then grabs his gun and shoots at her (he misses).

Why does Okonkwo dislike holidays and feasts?

He sees them as idle and “feminine.” He wants to be working on his farm all the time—action is masculine to him.

What crop is considered “a man’s crop,” and why is it so important?

Yams. They represent wealth, status, and masculinity. Successful yam farmers are respected; the whole village’s survival depends on them.

What is the Oracle of the Hills and Caves (also called Agbala)?

A powerful priestess who speaks for the gods. The village consults her before big decisions like going to war.

What does the Igbo term agbala mean, and why did it hurt young Okonkwo?

It means “woman” or “man without title.” Another boy called Okonkwo agbala because his father was titleless, and it made him determined never to seem weak.

How do the Igbo people show hospitality and settle disagreements?

They share kola nuts, drink palm wine, pray to ancestors, and speak in proverbs (“the palm-oil with which words are eaten”).

What big theme in Chapters 1–5 explains almost everything Okonkwo does?

Fear of weakness and failure (especially anything “feminine” or like his father). This drives his strength, violence, harshness with family, and success—but also his mistakes.