Things Fall Apart Chapter Summaries

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the god that Akunna and the clan worship?

Chukwu (correct)

Ogun

Obatala

Ife

How does Mr. Brown demonstrate respect for traditional beliefs?

By converting the clan to Christianity

By debating Akunna and seeking understanding (correct)

By prohibiting any traditional ceremonies

By dismissing all local practices as superstitious

What significant event does Enoch partake in that is considered a great offense to the clan?

Destroying the church

Refusing to participate in the ozo initiation

Unmasking an egwugwu during a sacred ceremony (correct)

Debating with Mr. Brown

Which of the following best describes the response of the clan to Enoch's actions?

They destroy Enoch's compound as punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What character trait of Reverend Smith sets him apart from Mr. Brown?

His strict and intolerant nature Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of Mr. Brown's departure from the village?

The zealous converts feel liberated to express their beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation behind Mr. Brown's encouragement for children to attend school?

To prevent strangers from ruling them Signup and view all the answers

What does Akunna believe about the nature of other gods aside from Chukwu?

They are mere representations of Chukwu's will. Signup and view all the answers

What do the village elders believe will happen to the missionaries in the Evil Forest?

They will be killed by the sinister spirits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the twenty-eight days mentioned by the villagers?

It represents the grace period before ancestral spirits punish a person. Signup and view all the answers

How did the villagers feel when the church won its first converts?

Surprised and worried about their traditions. Signup and view all the answers

What was Okonkwo's reaction when he learned about Nwoye's association with the Christians?

He expressed shame and anger towards Nwoye. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the converts from the efulefu?

They are considered titleless and worthless. Signup and view all the answers

What stance does Mr. Kiaga take regarding the osu who come to church?

He accepts them into the church. Signup and view all the answers

What event renews the villagers' trust in their gods?

A villager kills the sacred royal python. Signup and view all the answers

What do the elders decide to do in response to the Christians instead of using violence?

They opt for a policy of ostracism. Signup and view all the answers

What was Uchendu's opinion on the villagers' actions regarding the man they killed?

They were foolish for killing a man who spoke nothing. Signup and view all the answers

What was Obierika's purpose for visiting Okonkwo during his exile?

To handle business regarding Okonkwo's yams. Signup and view all the answers

How did the villagers react to the message of the Christian missionaries?

They were confused and laughed at the interpreter's dialect. Signup and view all the answers

What was Okonkwo's impression of the missionaries when they first arrived?

He thought they were insane. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nwoye feel drawn to the new religion presented by the missionaries?

It answered his questions about his past traumas. Signup and view all the answers

What accusation did the white man make against the villagers regarding their gods?

They worship false gods made of wood and stone. Signup and view all the answers

What did the villagers struggle to comprehend about the concept of God as presented by the missionaries?

The nature of God as a father without a mother. Signup and view all the answers

What did the missionaries request upon arriving in the village?

A piece of land to build a church. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Summary of Things Fall Apart

The novel chronicles the life of Okonkwo, a respected warrior in the Nigerian Igbo tribe.
Okonkwo's village, Iguedo, is part of a larger confederation of nine villages.
Okonkwo contrasts sharply with his father, Unoka, who was a skilled musician but lacked ambition and was often in debt.
Okonkwo's life revolves around masculinity, strength, and avoiding weakness, traits he associates with his father.

Chapter 1

Okonkwo is a wealthy and respected warrior in the Umuofia clan.
He gained honor by defeating Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling match.
Unoka, Okonkwo's father, was a skilled musician but was irresponsible with money, leading to hardship.

Chapter 2

A town crier announces a murder committed by a man from Mbaino.
The Umuofia villagers demand a virgin and a young man as compensation.
Okonkwo is chosen to represent his clan due to his reputation as a fierce warrior and skilled in war and magic.

Chapter 3

Okonkwo built his wealth through hard work as a sharecropper, unlike his father Unoka who was unsuccessful.
He struggled with self-doubt.
He is hard on his son, Nwoye, whom he views as lazy.

Chapter 4

The clan decides to keep Ikemefuna, a boy from Mbaino, in Okonkwo's care.
Ikemefuna is accepted by Okonkwo's family & treated like a child.
The community faces the threat of locusts.

Chapter 5

The village celebrates the Feast of the New Yam.
Okonkwo does not participate enthusiastically in the festivities.
Okonkwo beats his wife, Ojiugo, for neglect.
He violates the tradition of the Week of Peace.

Chapter 6

The annual wrestling match takes place.
Okonkwo wins a match against his rivals.
Okonkwo beats his wife Ekwefi after she makes a comment.

Chapter 7

Ikemefuna stays with Okonkwo’s family for three years.
Okonkwo is pleased with Ikemefuna's influence on his son, Nwoye.
The Oracle predicts that Ikemefuna must be killed.

Chapter 8

Nwoye is distraught when he learns of Ikemefuna's death.
Okonkwo is overwhelmed by grief and depression.
Okonkwo is affected more by events than by introspection.

Chapter 9

Ezinma, Okonkwo's daughter becomes ill.
The clan has a traditional ceremony.

Chapter 10

Village elders hold a ceremony.
A dispute arises between an estranged husband and wife.

Chapter 11

Ekwefi tells Ezinma a story about Tortoise.
This is to calm and comfort her, and show her empathy.

Chapter 12

Chielo takes Ezinma to the Oracle's cave.
Ekwefi follows Chielo.

Chapter 13

Ogbuefi Ezeudu, a respected elder, dies, and an accidental killing occurs.
Okonkwo's actions will have serious consequences for him and the community.

Chapter 14

Okonkwo returns to his mother's village, Mbanta.
He is helped to rebuild his compound by his kinsmen.
Uchendu encourages him.
Obierika gives him cowries.

Chapter 15

Obierika informs Okonkwo about the destruction of Abame.
White men arrive in Abame and their actions result in violent conflict between the villagers and the invaders.
The villagers blame Okonkwo for the tragedy.

Chapter 16

Obierika visits Okonkwo to inform him about new developments.
Describes the ongoing changes to the culture and way of life.
Christianity's influence is increasing gradually.

Chapter 17

Missionaries request land for a church.
The villagers grant the request.
The villagers perceive the missionaries as a threat.

Chapter 18

Disagreements and conflicts about the missionaries spread throughout the village.
Christian missionaries win many converts.
The clan is split with regard to Christianity.

Chapter 19

Okonkwo's exile draws to a close.
He prepares for his return.
He is impacted by the changes happening.

Chapter 20

Okonkwo plans to rebuild his family.
His daughter's fate becomes a concern.
Umuofia has changed drastically.

Chapter 21

Many villagers are influenced by white men.
The village clan members discuss the white men's influence.
Conflict remains between the groups.

Chapter 22

Reverend James Smith replaces Mr. Brown.
Smith is harsh and creates conflict.
The Church suffers and is not well received.

Chapter 23

Okonkwo's clan members suspect dangers from the white men.
Violence and unrest increase.

Chapter 24

Prisoners face harsh repercussions.
Okonkwo's suffering and isolation are highlighted.

Chapter 25

The District Commissioner arrives at Okonkwo's compound.
Okonkwo commits suicide.
His death emphasizes the loss of traditional values and the suffering that results.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first chapters of Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'. Explore the life of Okonkwo, his conflicts, and the customs of the Igbo tribe. This quiz covers key events and character dynamics that shape the story's foundation.