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Questions and Answers
What do proverbs represent according to the saying 'Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten'?
What do proverbs represent according to the saying 'Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten'?
What does 'If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings' imply?
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?
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'?
What idea is conveyed in the proverb 'A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness'?
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What does 'Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too' express regarding Okonkwo's feelings?
What does 'Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too' express regarding Okonkwo's feelings?
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What is the meaning of 'An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb'?
What is the meaning of 'An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb'?
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The proverb 'Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without ______.'
The proverb 'Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without ______.'
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What does the proverb 'A proud heart can survive a general failure' suggest?
What does the proverb 'A proud heart can survive a general failure' suggest?
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What is indicated by the proverb 'Looking at a king's mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother's breast'?
What is indicated by the proverb 'Looking at a king's mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother's breast'?
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What is the meaning of 'Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble'?
What is the meaning of 'Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble'?
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What does 'When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth' mean?
What does 'When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth' mean?
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What does 'A baby on its mother's back does not know the way is long' imply?
What does 'A baby on its mother's back does not know the way is long' imply?
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What does 'If one finger brought oil it soiled the others' suggest?
What does 'If one finger brought oil it soiled the others' suggest?
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What does 'Mother is supreme' signify?
What does 'Mother is supreme' signify?
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What does 'There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts' convey?
What does 'There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts' convey?
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What does 'Living fire begets cold, impotent ash' mean?
What does 'Living fire begets cold, impotent ash' mean?
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What does 'A child cannot pay for its mother's milk' imply?
What does 'A child cannot pay for its mother's milk' imply?
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What is conveyed by 'Men have learned to shoot without missing their mark and I have learned to fly without perching on a twig'?
What is conveyed by 'Men have learned to shoot without missing their mark and I have learned to fly without perching on a twig'?
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What does 'Whenever you see a toad jumping in broad daylight, know that something is after its life' mean?
What does 'Whenever you see a toad jumping in broad daylight, know that something is after its life' mean?
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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.
Social Aspirations and Identity
- "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.
