Things Fall Apart Chapter 25 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What did the district commissioner ask for when he arrived at Okonkwo's compound?

For Okonkwo to come out and face them.

Where did Oberika say Okonkwo was?

That he was not there but that he could show them where he was located.

What did they discover once they found Okonkwo?

Okonkwo was dead. He had hung himself.

What was the task if Oberika showed them where Okonkwo was?

The commissioner and some strangers would have to bury and take down Okonkwo's body off the tree. Signup and view all the answers

What was the grave sin?

Suicide Signup and view all the answers

Why couldn't Oberika and his people touch Okonkwo's body?

They explained that his body is evil now and that only strangers may touch it. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Oberika lash out at the commissioner?

He started blaming him for Okonkwo's death and praising his friend's greatness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the commissioner do after Oberika lashes out?

He leaves and orders his messengers to do the work. Signup and view all the answers

As the commissioner departs, what does he do?

As he departs, he congratulates himself for having added to his store of knowledge of African customs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the commissioner's book about?

Africa Signup and view all the answers

What did the commissioner name his book?

The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger. Signup and view all the answers

What is a commissioner?

A representative of the supreme authority in an area. Signup and view all the answers

What is Obi?

A broad sash worn around the waist of a Japanese kimono. Signup and view all the answers

What is infuriating?

Making one extremely angry and impatient; very annoying. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Events in Chapter 25

District Commissioner demands Okonkwo to come out when arriving at his compound.
Oberika informs the Commissioner that Okonkwo is not present but can lead them to his location.
Upon finding Okonkwo, they discover he has committed suicide by hanging.

Cultural Practices and Taboos

There is a cultural prohibition against touching Okonkwo’s body, which is considered evil; only outsiders are permitted to handle it.
Suicide is deemed a grave sin within the community.

Interactions and Emotions

Oberika expresses anger towards the Commissioner, blaming him for Okonkwo’s death and highlighting Okonkwo's significance.
After the confrontation, the Commissioner chooses to depart rather than engage further, assigning his messengers to manage Okonkwo's burial.

Commissioner's Reflections

As he leaves, the Commissioner takes pride in what he perceives as an enhanced understanding of African customs.
He considers his experiences and events for his future writings about Africa.

Literary References

The Commissioner's upcoming book, titled "The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger," intends to document his encounters and observations.

Terminology Clarifications

A Commissioner functions as a representative of the supreme authority in a designated area.
An obi refers to a type of broad sash typically worn with a Japanese kimono.

Emotional and Cultural Layers

The act of being labeled as “infuriating” reflects the broader emotional turbulence provoked by misunderstandings and the colonial context present in the interactions between the locals and the Commissioner.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 25 from 'Things Fall Apart' with these flashcards. The questions cover key events and character actions, providing a deep dive into the pivotal moments of the story. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the chapter.