Things Fall Apart Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge on Ikemefuna

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Questions and Answers

According to the text, why did Okonkwo want his son to be a great farmer and a great man?

To ensure his son's survival

To follow in Okonkwo's footsteps

To gain respect from the clan (correct)

To increase his family's wealth

What did Okonkwo threaten to do to his son if he showed signs of laziness?

Send him away

Disown him

Strangle him (correct)

Punish him physically

What was the planting season like for the yams?

Quick and efficient

Long and difficult (correct)

Unpredictable and challenging

Short and easy

Why did the women plant maize, melons, and beans between the yam mounds?

To increase crop diversity Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why was Okonkwo chosen to carry a message of war to their enemies?

Because he was the strongest warrior in the nine villages Signup and view all the answers

What did the enemies of Umuofia do when they saw Okonkwo?

They treated him like a king Signup and view all the answers

Why did the elders of the clan decide that Ikernefuna should be in Okonkwo's care?

Because Ikernefuna was a young and strong boy Signup and view all the answers

How did Okonkwo treat Ikernefuna?

With a heavy hand Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what did Ezeani say was ordained by the forefathers before planting crops in the earth?

A week of peace Signup and view all the answers

What did Ezeani say would happen if Okonkwo did not bring the required offerings to the shrine of Am?

The earth goddess would refuse to give increase to their crops Signup and view all the answers

What was the punishment for breaking the Peace of Ani in the past?

Dragging on the ground until death Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the custom in Obodoani where a man who died during the Week of Peace was not buried but cast into the Evil Forest?

The clan would be cursed with evil spirits Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why did the old man respect Okonkwo?

Because Okonkwo was successful Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why did Okonkwo call the man a woman?

Because the man had no titles Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, why did Okonkwo's clan judge him favorably?

Because of his work Signup and view all the answers

What does Ezinma call her mother?

Ekwefi Signup and view all the answers

What does Ezinma use to build a fire?

Sticks Signup and view all the answers

What does Nwoye's mother use to fan the fire?

A fan Signup and view all the answers

What sound signals the beginning of the wrestling match?

Drums Signup and view all the answers

During the Feast of the New Yam, why were new yams not consumed until some had been offered to the earth goddess and ancestral spirits?

The earth goddess and ancestral spirits required a portion of the new yams as an offering Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of washing the cooking pots, calabashes, and wooden bowls before the New Yam Festival?

It was a way to show respect to the earth goddess and ancestral spirits Signup and view all the answers

Why did people in Umuofia look forward to the New Yam Festival?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What did Obiageli do that caused her pot to break?

She was dancing and swaying her waist, causing the pot to fall Signup and view all the answers

Who consoled Obiageli and promised to buy her another pot?

Nwoye's mother Signup and view all the answers

What did Okonkwo say when Ezinma asked if she could bring his chair for him?

No, that is a boy's job Signup and view all the answers

Who was specially fond of Ezinma?

Okonkwo Signup and view all the answers

What was the occasion for joy throughout Umuofia?

The New Yam Festival Signup and view all the answers

What did Okonkwo's second wife do to anger him?

Cut leaves off a banana tree Signup and view all the answers

Who did Okonkwo beat after his anger was satisfied?

His second wife Signup and view all the answers

What did Okonkwo do after beating his wife?

Went out hunting Signup and view all the answers

During the ilo gathering, where did the elders and grandees of the village sit?

On their own stools brought by their young sons or slaves Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the palm fronds carried by the young men during the ilo gathering?

To keep the crowd back by beating the ground in front of them Signup and view all the answers

How many drums were there during the ilo gathering?

Seven Signup and view all the answers

During the wrestling match, what did Ikezue attempt to do to his opponent Okafo?

Throw him over his head Signup and view all the answers

What did the crowd do when Okafo swung his leg over Ikezue's head?

Cheered loudly Signup and view all the answers

What did Okafo's supporters do after he won the wrestling match?

Carried him home shoulder high Signup and view all the answers

Who was the winner of the third wrestling bout?

Maduka Signup and view all the answers

What did the drummers do during their rest before the real matches?

They fanned themselves Signup and view all the answers

Who was Chielo?

The priestess of Agbala Signup and view all the answers

What was the last match of the wrestling contest?

A match between the leaders of the teams Signup and view all the answers

What did the old man think of Okonkwo's rise to success?

He respected Okonkwo for his industry and success Signup and view all the answers

What did Okonkwo say to the man who contradicted him at the kindred meeting?

This meeting is for men Signup and view all the answers

What did the oldest man present say to Okonkwo after he called the man a woman?

Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Okonkwo's Expectations

Okonkwo wanted his son to be a great farmer and a great man because he wanted to prove that he was not a failure like his father, Unoka.
Okonkwo threatened to kill his son if he showed signs of laziness.

Farming and Planting

The planting season was a time of great activity and preparation for the yams.
Women planted maize, melons, and beans between the yam mounds to utilize the space and reduce weeds.

Okonkwo's Strength

Okonkwo was chosen to carry a message of war to their enemies because of his strength and courage.
When the enemies saw Okonkwo, they fled in fear.

Ikernefuna's Care

The elders of the clan decided that Ikernefuna should be in Okonkwo's care as a symbol of peace and friendship.
Okonkwo treated Ikernefuna like a son, showing him kindness and affection.

Ezeani's Teachings

Ezeani said that the forefathers ordained the planting of crops in the earth before the harvest.
Ezeani warned that if Okonkwo did not bring the required offerings to the shrine of Am, the earth would not yield its fruits.

The Peace of Ani

The punishment for breaking the Peace of Ani in the past was severe and often involved death.
In Obodoani, a man who died during the Week of Peace was not buried but cast into the Evil Forest.

Respect and Admiration

The old man respected Okonkwo because of his strength, courage, and achievements.
Okonkwo called the man a woman because he was lazy and did not show the strength and masculinity expected of a man.
Okonkwo's clan judged him favorably because of his accomplishments and bravery.

Family and Daily Life

Ezinma calls her mother Eziagwu.
Ezinma uses firestones to build a fire.
Nwoye's mother uses a fan to fan the fire.

The Feast of the New Yam

The sound of the drum signals the beginning of the wrestling match.
During the Feast of the New Yam, new yams were not consumed until some had been offered to the earth goddess and ancestral spirits.
The significance of washing the cooking pots, calabashes, and wooden bowls before the New Yam Festival was to cleanse and purify them for the festive meal.
People in Umuofia looked forward to the New Yam Festival because it was a time of celebration, feasting, and relaxation.

Various Events

Obiageli's pot broke because she was careless.
Okonkwo consoled Obiageli and promised to buy her another pot.
Okonkwo said he would like Ezinma to bring his chair for him.
Ezinma was specially fond of Obiageli.
The occasion for joy throughout Umuofia was the New Yam Festival.
Okonkwo's second wife, Eziagwu, angered him by not preparing his meal.
Okonkwo beat his wife after his anger was satisfied.
After beating his wife, Okonkwo went to his obi to sulk.

The Ilo Gathering

During the ilo gathering, the elders and grandees of the village sat on the floor of the obi.
The purpose of the palm fronds carried by the young men during the ilo gathering was to symbolize peace and unity.
There were nine drums during the ilo gathering.

The Wrestling Match

During the wrestling match, Ikezue attempted to trip his opponent Okafo.
The crowd cheered when Okafo swung his leg over Ikezue's head.
Okafo's supporters beat their drums and cheered when he won the wrestling match.
The winner of the third wrestling bout was Okafo.
The drummers played softly during their rest before the real matches.

Chielo and the Last Match

Chielo was the priestess of the goddess Agbala.
The last match of the wrestling contest was between Okafo and Okonkwo's son.

Old Age and Wisdom

The old man thought of Okonkwo's rise to success as a testament to his strength and character.
Okonkwo said to the man who contradicted him at the kindred meeting, "You are a woman."
The oldest man present said to Okonkwo, "You are a foolish man, Okonkwo."

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"How well do you know Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'?" Test your knowledge of the iconic novel with this quiz. Explore Okonkwo's struggle to maintain his cultural traditions and navigate the clash between traditional Igbo values and colonialism.

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