Quiz 'Things Fall Apart"

stammer

To speak with involuntary pauses or repetitions; used to describe Unoka's speech, highlighting his lack of assertiveness with a .

haze

A state of mental vagueness or confusion; used to describe the slow, unclear days of the dry season, symbolizing Unoka's lazy nature as a .

cowries

The shells of a marine mollusk, used as currency in the Ibo culture; wealth was measured in .

loafer

A person who avoids work or is habitually lazy; Okonkwo's contemptuous term for his father was a .

barely

Only just; almost not. Used to emphasize the extreme poverty of Unoka's family, who had enough.

beam

To shine brightly, or to smile radiantly. Used to describe Unoka's cheerful demeanor when he would .

intricate

Very complicated or detailed. Describes the patterns of the village's rituals.

doomed

Likely to have an unfortunate or fatal outcome. The term is used to describe Unoka’s destiny of being to failure.

ill-fated

Destined for misfortune; used to describe Ikemefuna’s fate.

discern

To perceive or recognize something, especially with difficulty. Okonkwo tried to his path to success.

trill

A quivering or warbling sound. Refers to the of women's voices or musical instruments during a ceremony.

gnash

To grind one's teeth in anger. Used to show Okonkwo would his teeth in frustration.

cripple

To cause a person to become physically disabled. Used figuratively to describe how Okonkwo's fear of failure would his life.

suppress

To forcibly put an end to something. Used to describe how Okonkwo would any feelings of weakness.

wept

To shed tears; to cry. Unoka with joy at a good harvest.

incipient

Beginning to happen or develop. Used to describe Okonkwo's anger, which was always on the verge of erupting.

shed

To get rid of something unwanted. Unoka's family tears of sorrow.

vaguely

In a way that is not clear or precise. Okonkwo understood his father's actions.

sacred

Connected with God or a religion. The traditions and customs of the Ibo people were considered .

contemptible

Deserving of contempt; despicable. Okonkwo found laziness and cowardice to be .

stagger

To walk or move unsteadily. Unoka would after drinking too much wine.

dregs

The last remaining part of a liquid in a container. Unoka drank the of palm-wine.

meagre

Lacking in quantity or quality. Unoka's harvests were always .

withering

Causing something to shrivel or decay. Unoka's father had a disease.

scorched

Burned the surface of something with heat. The hot sun the earth in the dry season.

share-cropping

A system where a tenant farmer gives a portion of the crops to the landowner. Okonkwo began his farming career through .

grim

Stern or unyielding. Okonkwo had a determination to be a great man.

benevolent

Well meaning and kindly. The Earth Goddess, Ani, was described as .

pleading

Making an emotional appeal. Unoka was always with his debtors.

repentant

Expressing sincere regret. Okonkwo was after he beat his wife during the Week of Peace.

valediction

The action of saying farewell. A funeral included the of loved ones.

deftly

In a clever or skillful way. Okonkwo wielded his hoe to make yam mounds.

sow

To plant a seed. Okonkwo had to his crops in a difficult year.

mound

A rounded pile. Okonkwo made for his yams.

disquieting

Inducing feelings of anxiety or worry. The oracle's words were to Okonkwo.

rumbling

A continuous deep, resonant sound. The of the drums filled the ceremony.

arduous

Difficult and tiring. Okonkwo's work was .

poignant

Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. The memory of his father was a one for Okonkwo.