Things Fall Apart Flash Cards

basically questions that can be answered

Who is the Cat?

A great wrestler whom Okonkwo beats as a young man

Why did people laugh at Okonkwo’s father, Unoka?

because he was poor, a “loafer”, and borrowed money without paying it back.

What does Okonkwo think about his son, Nwoye?

That he may be lazy and lacking ambition

Why is Ikemefuna sent from another village to live with Okonkwo?

As part of the price for a women being murdered

What did Okonkwo borrow to start his first farm?

Yam seeds

How does Okonkwo break the peace during the week of peace?

He beats one of his wives.

How does Okonkwo feel about his transgressions?

He feels sorry but pretends he doesn’t

Why does Ekwefi like to watch wrestling?

Because she fell in love with Okonkwo when he beat the Cat at wrestling.

With whom does Ikemefuna become particularly close?

Nwoye

What does it mean that it seems Enzima “has come to stay” ?

She is unlikely to die in childhood

How do the villagers react to the locusts?

They are excited because locusts are tasty.

What does Obeirika warn Okonkwo about Ikemefuna’s death?

That he should have no part in it.

How does Ikemefuna die?

One of the clansmen attacks Ikemfuna and Okonkwo deals the final blow. 

What is Nwoye’s reaction to Ikemefuna’s death?

He feels like something has broken inside him.

What strange rumor does Obeirika and Okonkwo discuss?

That there are men with skin as white as chalk.

Why is Ekwefi so distraught by Ezinma’s illness?

Because all of her children died early in childhood.

Who cures Ezinma?

Okonkwo

On what conditions can Uzowulu have Mgbafo back?

He must beg her to come back, and if he beats her again they will cut off his genitals 

where does Chielo take Enzima?

Around all nine villages and then into the cave of the oracle

What surprises Ekwefi when she waits outside the cave.

Okonkwo appears

What did Okonkwo do when Ezinma was taken by Chielo?

He went back and forth to the cave looking for Chielo, Ezinma, and Ekwefi.

How is Ezinma returned?

Chielo puts her on her bed the next morning without saying anything.

What ceremony does Okonwo’s family help prepare for?

A betrothal ceremony for the daughter of Okonkwo’s friend.

What happens at Ogbuefi Ezeudu’s funeral?

Okonkwo accidently shoots and kills Ezeudu’s young son. 

What is Okonkwo’s punishment?

The entire family must live in exile for seven years.

How does Okonkwo feel about starting a new farm?

He works hard but he cannot get excited by starting from nothing again.

What does Uchendu adivse Okonkwo to do?

Appreciate the generosity and shelter of his motherland.

What is the news from village Abame?

The town has been decimated by white man after villagers killed one of them. 

What happened to Okonkwo’s son Nwoye?

He joined the Christian missionaries and is now back in Mbanta.

What did Okonkwo think of the missionaries and their story about their god?

That they must be crazy. 

What piece of land do the village elders give the missionaries for their church?

Part of the cursed Evil Forest.

What happens 28 days after the church is built?

because nothing happened to the missionaries, some villagers convert.

What happened when Okonkwo confronts Nwoye about his activity with the church?

Nwoye says nothing and leaves his father forever.

Which villagers start flocking to the church and become some of its most vocal members?

Villagers without titles and outcasts

Why does Okonkwo hold a feast?

To thank his mother’s kinsman before returning from exile.

why has Ezinma not married yet?

Okonkwo made her wait until their return from exile.

What have the white men brought in addition to the church, school, and hospital?

A government and Judicial system that overrides clan decisions.

Who is Chukwu?

The clan’s only God.

What happened to Mr.Brown?

He falls ill and has to leave the church.

How does the clan meet Okonkwo’s return

Somewhat indifferently.

Who replaces Mr.Brown as the head of the church?

Reverend James Smith.

What inflammatory thing does Enoch do?

He unmasks an egwugwu, which kills an ancestral spirit.

What do the villagers do in retaliation for Enoch’s act?

Burn down Enoch’s compound and the church.

What does the district commissioner do to the village leaders, including Okonkwo?

Has them thrown in jail for days. 

How do the villagers free the men?

They collectively pay a large fine.

What does Oknonwo wear to the town meeting?

His war dress.

What does Okonkwo do at the town meeting?

Kills two court messengers.

What happens to Okonkwo after he leaves the meeting?

he hangs himself.

Why won’t the clansmen touch Okonkwo’s body and insist the white men do it?

they consider suicide a grave sin and that his body is now evil.

What does the commissioner think after he hears Okonkwo’s story?

He thinks it might make for an interesting paragraph or two in his book.