16 Questions
What is Okonkwo's main concern about his son Nwoye?
That he will be lazy and a failure like Unoka
What action of Okonkwo shocks his community during the Week of Peace?
He severely beats his youngest wife
Why does Okonkwo not show any affection for Ikemefuna, despite liking him?
He does not want to be seen as weak or feminine
What is the significance of the locusts coming to Umuofia?
It symbolizes a time of plenty and abundance
How does Okonkwo react when Umuofia wins a virgin and a fifteen-year-old boy in a settlement with a neighboring tribe?
He takes charge of the boy and becomes fond of him
Who informs Okonkwo in private about the Oracle's decision regarding Ikemefuna?
Ogbuefi Ezeudu
What is Okonkwo's initial response when Ikemefuna calls him 'father'?
He tells him to never call him that again
After the attack on Ikemefuna, who does Okonkwo visit to seek solace?
His friend Obierika
What happens to Ogbuefi Ezeudu during his funeral?
His sixteen-year-old son gets killed by Okonkwo's gun
Why does Okonkwo take his family into exile for seven years?
To avoid arrest for killing a clansman
Who brings several bags of cowries made by selling Okonkwo’s yams during his exile?
Obierika
Who speaks to the villagers about their gods being false and idolatrous?
Mr. Brown
What happens when Enoch unmasks an egwugwu during the annual ceremony?
The egwugwu burn Enoch's compound and Mr. Brown's church to the ground
What is the fate of the leaders of Umuofia when they meet with the District Commissioner?
They are handcuffed and thrown in jail, where they suffer insults and physical abuse
What does Okonkwo do when his fellow clan members do not join him in uprising against the court messengers?
He kills their leader with his machete
What does the District Commissioner find when he arrives at Okonkwo’s compound?
Okonkwo has hanged himself
Study Notes
Okonkwo and His Family
- Okonkwo is concerned that his son Nwoye is becoming too soft and lazy
- Okonkwo does not show affection for Ikemefuna, despite liking him, because it is considered unmanly in their culture
- Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo 'father' which initially shocks Okonkwo
Community Events
- Okonkwo shocks his community during the Week of Peace by beating his wife, which is considered a serious offense
- The locusts coming to Umuofia signify a good omen and a time of abundance
- When Umuofia wins a virgin and a fifteen-year-old boy in a settlement with a neighboring tribe, Okonkwo is overjoyed
Ikemefuna's Fate
- Obierika informs Okonkwo in private about the Oracle's decision regarding Ikemefuna's fate
- After the attack on Ikemefuna, Okonkwo visits his friend Obierika to seek solace
- Ikemefuna is eventually killed, which has a profound impact on Okonkwo
Exile and Return
- Okonkwo takes his family into exile for seven years as punishment for his wrongdoing during the Week of Peace
- Obierika brings several bags of cowries made by selling Okonkwo’s yams during his exile
Conflict with the Colonizers
- The Christian missionary, Mr. Brown, speaks to the villagers about their gods being false and idolatrous
- Enoch unmasks an egwugwu during the annual ceremony, which leads to chaos
- The leaders of Umuofia are imprisoned when they meet with the District Commissioner
- Okonkwo kills a court messenger, but his fellow clan members do not join him in the uprising
- The District Commissioner finds Okonkwo's compound deserted when he arrives
Test your knowledge of 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe with this quiz. Explore the themes, characters, and events of the novel with these thought-provoking questions.
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