Questions and Answers
How many years has Okonkwo been in exile at the start of Chapter 15?
2 years
What does Obierika bring Okonkwo?
cowries (money)
What news does Obierika share?
The Abame tribe has been wiped out by whites
What is the iron horse?
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What does the oracle declare?
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How does Uchendu react to this?
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How does Obierika follow up?
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What does Uchendu say to this comment?
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What is tense about the meal?
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How many years has Okonkwo been in exile at the start of Chapter 16?
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Where is Okonkwo living?
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What does Obierika tell him?
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How did Nwoye convert?
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What does the translator screw up?
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What makes the villagers laugh hysterically?
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What is an efulefu?
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Who is the interpreter?
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What doesn't Nwoye understand?
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Study Notes
Exile and Timeframe
- Okonkwo is in exile for 2 years at the start of Chapter 15.
- By the beginning of Chapter 16, he has been in exile for a total of 4 years.
Characters and Key Events
- Obierika brings Okonkwo cowries, representing financial support.
- He shares distressing news about the Abame tribe being wiped out by white colonizers.
- Uchendu expresses anger over the killing of a "man who doesn't speak," highlighting the loss of communication and peace.
Cultural References and Reactions
- The term "iron horse" refers to a bicycle, symbolizing the advent of modernity.
- An oracle prophesizes that white men will continue to invade and destroy indigenous communities.
- Uchendu emphasizes that "no story is not true," indicating the importance of belief and reality.
- Obierika admits fear towards the white men, revealing disbelief in the stories about colonization.
Interpersonal Dynamics
- An awkward tension exists during a meal where jokes reflect on Okonkwo’s past, including one about him killing his son.
- Nwoye converts to Christianity after being swayed by missionaries' scare tactics and the emotional pull of their songs.
Conversion and Language
- Nwoye's conversion is facilitated by both missionaries and clansmen employed scare tactics about heaven and hell.
- The translator, Mr. Kiaga, mistakenly expresses "my buttocks" instead of "myself," highlighting communication barriers.
- The missionaries proclaim that all Igbo gods are false, causing uproarious laughter among the villagers.
Social Structure
- An "efulefu" refers to men of no status within the community who are often disregarded.
- The Holy Trinity and the concept of one god confound Nwoye, marking a significant cultural clash.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapters 15 and 16 of 'Things Fall Apart'. This quiz covers critical events and characters, including Okonkwo's exile and the news shared by Obierika. Perfect for reviewing key concepts and details from these chapters.
