Questions and Answers
What startles Okonkwo while he is trying to sleep?
the sound of the town crier's ogene
Why is everyone called to the marketplace?
Ogbuefi Ezeugo announces that someone from the Mbaino has murdered the wife of an Umuofian.
What is the town crier's message?
Every man of Umuofia must gather at the marketplace tomorrow morning.
How does the crowd react to the announcement?
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What does Okonkwo do in response to the situation?
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How does Mbaino respond to Okonkwo's demand?
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Why is Okonkwo chosen to represent his clan?
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How many human heads has Okonkwo taken in battle?
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What does Okonkwo do with the first head he captured?
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What happens to the virgin girl?
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What happens to the boy, Ikemefuna?
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How many wives and children does Okonkwo have?
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What is Okonkwo's greatest fear?
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What is Agbala?
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What does Okonkwo think of Nwoye?
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How does Ikemefuna react to living with Okonkwo?
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Study Notes
Okonkwo and the Town Crier
- Okonkwo is startled from sleep by the town crier's ogene, signaling an urgent announcement.
- The town crier, Ogbuefi Ezeugo, gathers everyone to inform them of a murder committed by a member of the Mbaino clan.
Marketplace Gathering
- Every man of Umuofia is summoned to the marketplace to discuss the murder and its implications for justice and conflict.
- The crowd reacts with anger, indicating the severity of the situation and their desire for retribution.
Okonkwo's Role and Actions
- Okonkwo, recognized as the fiercest warrior of the village, is chosen to confront Mbaino regarding the murder and demand compensation.
- He demands that Mbaino provide a virgin girl and a young man to avoid war.
Mbaino's Compliance
- The Mbaino clan agrees to Okonkwo's demands, fearing the consequences of refusing and the likelihood of losing a war against Umuofia.
Okonkwo's Combat Experience
- Okonkwo has taken five human heads in battle, underscoring his reputation and prowess as a warrior.
- He has a ritualistic practice of drinking palm-wine from the first head he captured during special occasions.
Fate of the Virgin Girl and Ikemefuna
- The virgin girl is given to Ogbuefi Udo as a wife, following the death of his previous spouse.
- Ikemefuna, the young boy from Mbaino, is placed under Okonkwo's guardianship and given to his first wife for care.
Okonkwo’s Family Structure
- Okonkwo has three wives and a total of eight children, with each wife maintaining a separate hut for her family.
Okonkwo's Fears and Expectations
- Okonkwo fears becoming like his father, driven by a need to appear strong and unfeeling, leading to harsh treatment of others, especially his son Nwoye.
- He consistently views Nwoye as lazy and disappointing, associating these traits with weakness reminiscent of his father.
Agbala and Gender Roles
- The term "Agbala" refers to a person without status, applied to both women and men without titles, highlighting the importance of societal recognition in the clan.
Ikemefuna’s Emotional Struggles
- Ikemefuna experiences sadness and fear living with Okonkwo, feeling the absence of his family and familiar surroundings.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards based on Chapter 2 of 'Things Fall Apart'. Each card presents key events and characters, helping you delve deeper into the story. Perfect for students and fans of Chinua Achebe's work.
