Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are Okonkwo's plans for his return?
What are Okonkwo's plans for his return?
Okonkwo plans to rebuild his compound on a more magnificent scale, initiate his sons into the ozo community, and take the highest title in the land.
What is the tragedy of his first son, and how does this affect his treatment of his remaining sons?
What is the tragedy of his first son, and how does this affect his treatment of his remaining sons?
The tragedy is that Nwoye left the family to join the missionaries, leading Okonkwo to be stricter with his remaining sons.
What plans does Okonkwo have for his daughters?
What plans does Okonkwo have for his daughters?
Okonkwo plans for his daughters to marry Umuofia men that are high in rank and status.
What changes have taken place in Umuofia over the past seven years?
What changes have taken place in Umuofia over the past seven years?
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What are the kotma and how are they viewed?
What are the kotma and how are they viewed?
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What does Obierika mean when he says that the white man has 'put a knife on the things that held us together'?
What does Obierika mean when he says that the white man has 'put a knife on the things that held us together'?
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Some members of the village see positive changes brought by the white men. What are these?
Some members of the village see positive changes brought by the white men. What are these?
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How does the community view Mr. Brown, and how does he interact with the village?
How does the community view Mr. Brown, and how does he interact with the village?
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How has the reality of Okonkwo's return to Umuofia failed to live up to his expectations?
How has the reality of Okonkwo's return to Umuofia failed to live up to his expectations?
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How are Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith different?
How are Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith different?
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What major crime does Enoch commit, and why is it considered one of the greatest crimes a man could commit?
What major crime does Enoch commit, and why is it considered one of the greatest crimes a man could commit?
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In what way is 'the spirit of the clan...pacified', and how long do you think this will last?
In what way is 'the spirit of the clan...pacified', and how long do you think this will last?
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Study Notes
Okonkwo's Return Plans
- Okonkwo aims to return with great pride, planning to rebuild his compound grandly with a bigger barn and new huts for two additional wives.
- He intends to display his wealth by initiating his sons into the ozo community and aspires to acquire the highest title in his land.
Impact of Nwoye's Departure
- Okonkwo's first son, Nwoye, caused tragedy by leaving the family to embrace the missionaries' faith.
- This event led Okonkwo to adopt a stricter approach with his remaining sons, including threats of violence to enforce obedience.
Plans for Daughters
- Okonkwo is determined to arrange marriages for his daughters with high-ranking men from Umuofia to enhance the family’s social standing.
Changes in Umuofia
- Umuofia has transformed, with many villagers abandoning their traditional faith for the new church established by missionaries, including a man with two titles.
- The introduction of a foreign government by the white men has further altered the social landscape of the village.
Role and Perception of Kotma
- Kotma are court messengers responsible for bringing individuals for trials set by the white men.
- They are despised by the villagers, derogatorily nicknamed "Ashy-Buttocks" due to their ash-colored shorts.
Obierika's Insight
- Obierika reflects on how the white men have disrupted indigenous traditions and cultural cohesion, likening it to a knife cutting apart the fabric that held their society together.
Positive Changes Perceived by Some
- The arrival of white men has introduced new economic opportunities, evidenced by the establishment of a trading store and increased market value for palm oil and kernels, leading to wealth influx in Umuofia.
Community's View on Mr. Brown
- Mr. Brown is respected by the villagers for his non-intrusive approach, forging relationships with clan leaders and receiving a token of dignity and status from them.
Okonkwo's Disillusionment
- Upon his return, Okonkwo finds Umuofia unrecognizable and indifferent to his presence; the village has shifted its focus towards new issues surrounding the colonization.
Contrast Between Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith
- Mr. Brown exemplifies a conciliatory attitude, interacting amicably with villagers, while Reverend Smith adopts a rigid, uncompromising stance, viewing dissenters as inherently evil.
Enoch's Major Crime
- Enoch commits the grave act of unmasking an egwugwu during a public event, regarded as akin to killing an ancestral spirit, signifying a severe breach of cultural norms.
Pacification of the Clan's Spirit
- The clan's spirit is calmed when the church is destroyed, though this peace is anticipated to be temporary given the underlying tensions in the village.
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Description
Explore key themes and character plans from chapters 20 to 22 of 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe. This quiz will test your understanding of Okonkwo's ambitions and the societal changes he faces upon his return to Umuofia. Use these flashcards to reinforce your knowledge of critical elements from the text.
