Things Fall Apart Chapter 1 Quotes

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Questions and Answers

What was happening when the drums beat and the flutes sang?

The spectators held their breath.

How is Okonkwo described in relation to water?

He was as slippery as a fish in water.

What would Okonkwo use when he was angry and could not express himself quickly?

He would use his fists.

What was respected among Okonkwo's people?

Age was respected, but achievement was revered. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to a dangerous animal in the dark according to the text?

It became even more sinister and uncanny. Signup and view all the answers

What was Okonkwo ruled by?

One passion: to hate everything that his father Unoka had loved. Signup and view all the answers

How did those seeking knowledge from Agbala find themselves?

They crawled on their belly through the hole and found themselves in endless space. Signup and view all the answers

What was said to be true about Unoka's fortune?

He had a bad chi or personal god. Signup and view all the answers

What did yams represent in Okonkwo's culture?

Manliness. Signup and view all the answers

What was Okonkwo's inner state described as?

Repentant. Signup and view all the answers

How did the drums affect the living village?

The sound was no longer a separate thing from the living village. Signup and view all the answers

What filled Okonkwo with fire as he danced?

The sound of the drums. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the air when it relaxed again?

It had been stretched taut with excitement. Signup and view all the answers

What was said about the elders' display of excitement?

They did not show their excitement openly. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nwoye prefer over violence and masculinity?

The stories that his mother used to tell. Signup and view all the answers

What are the harbingers sent to do?

To survey the land. Signup and view all the answers

What did Okonkwo fear about being thought weak?

He was afraid of being thought weak. Signup and view all the answers

How is Okonkwo characterized in terms of thought?

He was not a man of thought but of action. Signup and view all the answers

What did Okonkwo think about his daughter's gender?

'She should have been a boy.' Signup and view all the answers

How did Enzima refer to her mother?

By her name, unlike other children. Signup and view all the answers

What can never be questioned according to the cult?

No woman ever asked questions about it. Signup and view all the answers

What is said about the relationship between good and bad across different peoples?

What is good among one people is an abomination with others. Signup and view all the answers

What should one never do according to the text?

Never kill a man who says nothing. Signup and view all the answers

What did the arrival of missionaries cause?

A considerable stir in the village of Mbanta. Signup and view all the answers

What did the missionaries accuse the villagers of worshipping?

False gods, gods of wood and stone. Signup and view all the answers

How did the missionaries view the worshippers of false gods?

Evil men and all the heathen. Signup and view all the answers

Who captivated the young lad named Nwoye?

The poetry of the new religion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Drums and flutes create an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement among the spectators.
Okonkwo is compared to a fish, highlighting his elusive and adaptable nature.
Physical aggression replaces verbal communication when Okonkwo is angered.
In the culture, age commands respect, yet personal achievements hold higher esteem.

Chapter 2

The darkness enhances fear, where animals like snakes are referred to indirectly.
Okonkwo harbors a deep disdain for his father's qualities, especially gentleness and idleness.

Chapter 3

Seeking wisdom involves a humbling journey to Agbala, suggesting spiritual significance.
Unoka’s legacy of misfortune indicates a belief in divine oversight affecting one's life outcomes.

Chapter 4

Yams symbolize masculinity and success; sustaining a family on yams denotes great achievement.
Despite outward appearances, Okonkwo feels inner remorse, showcasing complexity in his character.

Chapter 5

The continuous drumbeat becomes integral to the community's identity and rhythm of life.
Drumming enlivens Okonkwo, rekindling memories of his youth and fervor.

Chapter 6

Excitement in the air reflects communal anticipation, eventually leading to emotional release.
Spirits of the drums indicate a transformational experience among the people participating in rituals.

Chapter 7

Nwoye struggles with masculine expectations vs. the comfort of maternal stories, indicating internal conflict.
Upon arrival of significant figures, a sense of foreboding is felt as they observe the situation in the village.
The plea for mercy towards a child implies a stronger bond of kinship amidst cultural norms.
Fear of appearing weak drives Okonkwo's motivations and actions.

Chapter 8

Okonkwo epitomizes action over contemplation, often leading to impulsive decisions.
Reflection on Ikemefuna elicits discomfort, signaling unresolved feelings about duty and loss.

Chapter 9

Enzima's unique relationship with her mother challenges traditional parental dynamics, emphasizing equality.

Chapter 10

Women's inquiries about powerful cults are absent, reflecting gender roles in society.
A communal chant interrupts silence, illustrating the unity and fervor of the crowd during rituals.
Mocking bravery when it involves violence against women underscores gender dynamics.

Chapter 11

Chielo's possession signifies spiritual authority and the convergence of sacred duty and personal relationships.
The oppressive darkness of the night enhances themes of fear and the unknown.
Imagery of fireflies accentuates the surrounding darkness, metaphorically representing lost hope.

Chapter 12

Revelry among villagers showcases communal bonds and respect as they honor notable figures like Okonkwo.
The dancer's adornments symbolize cultural pride and the vibrancy of local traditions.

Chapter 13

Umuofia's tranquility before conflict reflects the tension beneath surface calm.
Killing a clansman incurs grave consequences, emphasizing communal and spiritual laws governing behavior.
Questions arise about the fairness of punishment for inadvertent actions.
Collective punishment is viewed as necessary to avert the wrath of deities.

Chapter 14

Nature's resurgence reflects renewal, tying to themes of rebirth and hope.
A statement of survival contrasts despair, signaling resilience in the face of trials.
Recognition of personal status is tempered by immaturity, suggesting room for growth.
A shift in weather symbolizes change and the forging of new paths ahead.

Chapter 15

Reference to locusts serves as a metaphor for imminent change or invasion.
Cultural relativity is highlighted, demonstrating the variance in moral codes across societies.
Emphasizes the danger of silence, positioning communication as crucial in human interactions.

Chapter 16

The arrival of missionaries disrupts the traditional harmony within the village, signaling cultural collision.
Criticism of idol worship points to underlying tensions between old and new belief systems.
Nwoye's attraction to the new faith suggests a yearning for connection and understanding through poetry and spirituality.

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Test your knowledge of significant quotes from Chapter 1 of 'Things Fall Apart'. This quiz provides flashcards that highlight key phrases and their meanings, enhancing your understanding of the text. Perfect for literature students and fans of Chinua Achebe's powerful narrative.