Proverbs and Identity in Things Fall Apart

Questions and Answers

What do proverbs represent according to the saying 'Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten'?

Words of wisdom (correct)

Pain

Food

Entertainment

What does 'If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings' imply?

Someone who makes himself great can be with those who are great.

What does the proverb 'When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for walk' suggest?

The moon gave the tribe the power to do anything.

What idea is conveyed in the proverb 'A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness'?

If you respect greatness, you will become great yourself. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too' express regarding Okonkwo's feelings?

Okonkwo was ashamed of his father and feared his misfortune. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb'?

Someone is uneasy if something is said that affects them personally. Signup and view all the answers

The proverb 'Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without ______.'

perching Signup and view all the answers

What does the proverb 'A proud heart can survive a general failure' suggest?

A proud person can endure failures without affecting their pride. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the proverb 'Looking at a king's mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother's breast'?

It scares him to think he could have ever been vulnerable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble'?

People blessed by luck should be humble and not criticize others. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth' mean?

Children copy their parents and learn from them. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'A baby on its mother's back does not know the way is long' imply?

Children are unaware of struggles when supported by their parents. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'If one finger brought oil it soiled the others' suggest?

If you do not treat your sickness, you will pass it to others. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Mother is supreme' signify?

Your mother is extremely important as she gives you life. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts' convey?

Shouting is merely bluster; they won't take physical action. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Living fire begets cold, impotent ash' mean?

Inflated self-importance can hinder others' success. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'A child cannot pay for its mother's milk' imply?

Parents are responsible for their children's upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

What is conveyed by 'Men have learned to shoot without missing their mark and I have learned to fly without perching on a twig'?

External influences can significantly change people's fates. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Whenever you see a toad jumping in broad daylight, know that something is after its life' mean?

It is unusual and indicates something is pursuing it. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Proverbs in "Things Fall Apart"

Proverbs serve as cultural wisdom, enhancing communication and understanding within the community.
"Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten" highlights the significance of proverbs in conveying deep meanings and wisdom.

"If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings" emphasizes that personal accomplishments can elevate one's social standing, transcending ancestral legacies.
Okonkwo's rise as a warrior illustrates overcoming his father's reputation to attain respect and greatness.

Influence of Nature and Resilience

"When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for walk" reflects the tribe's empowerment through natural phenomena, suggesting that circumstances can inspire action.
A proud heart surviving a general failure signifies that personal pride can buffer against setbacks.

Respect and Greatness

"A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness" reinforces the idea that mutual respect within society fosters individual success.
"Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too" conveys Okonkwo's fear of his father's legacy, revealing personal insecurities linked to familial history.

Awareness and Personal Reflection

"An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned" suggests that personal relevance in remarks can create discomfort, pointing to the sensitivity of individuals to criticism.
"Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching" underscores the need for empathy and recognition of others' struggles.

Humility and Gratitude

"Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble" conveys the importance of humility among those favored by fortune.
"Mother is supreme" denotes the powerful role of mothers in nurturing and raising children.

Fearlessness and Action

"There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts" suggests that verbal threats are typically harmless, promoting an understanding of courage in facing intimidation.
"Whenever you see a toad jumping in broad daylight, know that something is after its life" indicates that unusual behaviors can signal underlying threats or challenges.

Legacy and Responsibility

"A child cannot pay for its mother's milk" elucidates the inherent obligation parents have to care for their children without expecting repayment, reinforcing the natural bond of parenthood.
"Living fire begets cold, impotent ash" emphasizes that excessive pride can stifle the success of others, encouraging a balance of influence within relationships.

Change and External Influences

"Men have learned to shoot without missing their mark and I have learned to fly without perching on a twig" highlights how external circumstances can significantly alter an individual's destiny.

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Description

Explore the rich use of proverbs in Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' and their cultural significance. Discover how social aspirations, resilience against nature, and respect intertwine in the narrative, shaping the characters' identities and actions.