Things Fall Apart - Chapters 20 & 21 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the first thing Okonkwo plans to do when he returns to his clan?

rebuild his compound on a larger, grander scale and add two more huts for his two new wives.

What does Okonkwo hope his sons will be initiated into when his family returns from exile?

their clan, not like Nwoye, the oso society.

Who is called the Crystal of Beauty in Mbanta, growing into a healthy, buoyant young woman?

Ezinma

What is the nickname of kotma, the court messengers who guard the prison which holds people who break the white man's law?

Ashy-buttocks Signup and view all the answers

Why does Obierika tell Okonkwo that it is too late to fight the white man and drive him from the land?

Because too many of their own native people have joined the religion and the government. Signup and view all the answers

When Aneto kills Oduche over a land dispute, what does the white man's government decide?

they sent his kotma to find him, he was jailed and hung. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the white missionary that makes friends with great men of the clan and is presented with a carved elephant tusk?

Mr. Brown Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the god that the people of Umuofia believe is the creator of the world?

Chukwu Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Brown build in Umuofia?

a school and a hospital Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Brown encourage the people to attend school?

He begged and said the next ruler of this land will be one that can write, read, and if not their children, then outsiders will come in and lead their land. He also bribed them with gifts. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nwoye's name changed to after he joins the Christians?

Isaac Signup and view all the answers

What does Okonkwo mourn when he returns to his clan?

his clan, he saw them breaking apart, not war like members, more like women. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Okonkwo's Return and Plans

Okonkwo intends to rebuild his compound grander than before, adding two huts for his new wives.
He hopes to initiate his sons into their clan's society, contrasting with Nwoye's initiation into the oso society.

Ezinma and Community Dynamics

Ezinma is celebrated as the "Crystal of Beauty," evolving into a vibrant young woman in Mbanta.

Colonial Impact and Resistance

The court messengers, known derogatorily as "Ashy-buttocks," enforce the white man's law and maintain order in the prison system.
Obierika explains to Okonkwo that fighting the white men is futile as many clansmen have embraced the new religion and government.
Aneto's land dispute leads to a fatal confrontation with Oduche, resulting in Aneto being arrested and executed by the white man's legal system.

Missionary Influence

Mr. Brown, a white missionary, gains favor among the elite of the clan and receives a symbolic carved elephant tusk.
He establishes a school and hospital in Umuofia, promoting education and health care as tools of empowerment for the community.

Education and Future Leaders

Mr. Brown advocates for education, stressing that literacy will determine the future leaders of the land, enticing families with promises of gifts.
Nwoye adopts the Christian name Isaac after converting, highlighting a significant personal transformation.

Okonkwo's Emotional Struggles

Upon returning, Okonkwo mourns the disintegration of his clan's strength and unity, perceiving their behavior as weak and unwarrior-like.

Description

Test your knowledge on Chapters 20 and 21 of 'Things Fall Apart' with these flashcards. Explore key events, character motivations, and themes as Okonkwo navigates his return from exile. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text.