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Questions and Answers
What are the egwugwu?
What are the egwugwu?
Someone who impersonates one of the ancestral spirits of the village.
How do the villagers respond to the arrival of the egwugwu?
How do the villagers respond to the arrival of the egwugwu?
They respond with great excitement to their arrival.
What is distinctive about the second egwugwu?
What is distinctive about the second egwugwu?
The second egwugwu had a springy walk like Okonkwo's.
What role do the egwugwu fulfill for the villagers in this chapter?
What role do the egwugwu fulfill for the villagers in this chapter?
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What is the dispute Ozowulu has brought?
What is the dispute Ozowulu has brought?
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What inferences can you make about the kind of man Ozowulu is?
What inferences can you make about the kind of man Ozowulu is?
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What was the judgment of the egwugwu? Was it a fair one? Why or why not?
What was the judgment of the egwugwu? Was it a fair one? Why or why not?
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Based on what you know of Okonkwo's character, what opinion might he have offered to the egwugwu about the case before them?
Based on what you know of Okonkwo's character, what opinion might he have offered to the egwugwu about the case before them?
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Why was such a trifle brought before the egwugwu?
Why was such a trifle brought before the egwugwu?
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How does the system of justice described in this chapter compare and contrast with our U.S. system?
How does the system of justice described in this chapter compare and contrast with our U.S. system?
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Study Notes
Egwugwu and Their Role
- Egwugwu impersonate ancestral spirits, serving as a crucial part of village tradition.
- Villagers exhibit great excitement upon the arrival of egwugwu, showing its significance in cultural gatherings.
- The second egwugwu's distinctive springy walk resembles that of Okonkwo, adding to the performance's authenticity.
- They act as decision-makers in disputes, emphasizing their authority within the community.
The Dispute of Ozowulu
- Ozowulu brings a complaint against his wife's family for taking her without repaying the bride price.
- His wife was removed from an abusive situation, indicating a complex family dynamic and societal issues.
- Character analysis suggests Ozowulu is stubborn and likely impulsive, affecting his interactions with the community.
Judgment and Fairness
- The egwugwu's judgment required Ozowulu to bring palm wine and plead for his wife’s return, with a conditional punishment for future abuse.
- Perspectives on fairness vary; critics argue the judgment may not adequately address the unseen domestic violence.
Okonkwo’s Perspective
- Okonkwo would likely support the return of the wife, reflecting his own violent tendencies and views on masculinity.
- His potential opinion highlights a cultural endorsement of male dominance and control over women.
Justice System Comparison
- The egwugwu's justice system involves unique cultural practices that differ significantly from U.S. legal proceedings.
- U.S. laws provide structured punitive measures, such as imprisonment for domestic abuse, contrasting the egwugwu's lenient and communal approach.
- Both systems agree on punishment for wrongdoing, yet methods of enforcement and consequences differ dramatically.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 10 from Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' with these flashcards. Explore key terms like egwugwu and the villagers' responses to them. Perfect for students looking to review essential concepts from the book.
