Things Fall Apart Chapter 10 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

They respond with great excitement to their arrival.

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?

They play as the decision makers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dispute Ozowulu has brought?

The wife's family took her away without paying the bride price. Signup and view all the answers

What inferences can you make about the kind of man Ozowulu is?

Ozowulu is stubborn and most likely quite rash. Signup and view all the answers

What was the judgment of the egwugwu? Was it a fair one? Why or why not?

(Answer varies) The judgment was that Ozowulu must bring a pot of palm wine to the in-laws and beg for his wife back; if he beats her again, he would be punished. Signup and view all the answers

Based on what you know of Okonkwo's character, what opinion might he have offered to the egwugwu about the case before them?

(Answer varies) Okonkwo would probably offer to make the wife return, as he often beats his wives. Signup and view all the answers

Why was such a trifle brought before the egwugwu?

Ozowulu wouldn't listen to anyone else. Signup and view all the answers

How does the system of justice described in this chapter compare and contrast with our U.S. system?

(Answer varies) The repercussions in the described system are quite different from those in the U.S., where punishment for domestic abuse can result in jail time. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.