Things Fall Apart Chapters 4-6 Flashcards

Character Dynamics

• Okonkwo derogatorily calls Osugo a "woman" at the meeting, emphasizing his disdain for perceived weakness.
• Ikemefuna, after being forced to eat yams by Okonkwo, vomits, indicating his discomfort and the pressure he feels in the new environment.

Health and Relationships

• Ikemefuna suffers from an illness lasting three market weeks, showcasing the impact of stress and adjustment.
• His knowledge of the names of birds endears him to Nwoye, who is two years younger, highlighting the bond they share and Ikemefuna's charm.

Social Customs and Family

• Ojiugo, Okonkwo's wife, is late returning home to cook dinner as she stops to plait her hair at a friend's house, suggesting social expectations regarding appearance and domestic duties.
• Okonkwo's violent behavior towards his wife incites outrage among the community, as it occurs during the sacred week of peace, illustrating cultural values prioritizing harmony.

Spiritual Obligations

• The priest commands Okonkwo to bring specific offerings — goat, hen, cloth, and cowries — to the shrine of Ani, the main goddess, signifying the importance of appeasing deities.
• The Feast of the New Yam is approaching, a significant cultural celebration that emphasizes agricultural abundance and community gathering.

Cultural Practices

• Women paint hut walls with white, yellow, and green, indicating colorful traditions that express cultural identity and festivity.
• Okonkwo punishes his wife for "killing" a few banana leaves, reflecting his excessive adherence to masculinity and traditional authority.

Agriculture and Wildlife

• The "nanny goat" is known for consuming yam peelings and sometimes the yams themselves, impacting agricultural practices.

Community Events

• Wrestling matches begin at sundown, a time signifying community engagement and celebration.
• Obiegeli accidentally breaks her pot, representing the small mishaps that happen in everyday life.

Competition Details

• There are seven drums used in the wrestling match, creating an atmosphere of excitement and rhythm.
• Order is maintained by those carrying palm fronds, symbolizing respect for tradition during events.
• First wrestlers range in age from 15 to 16, showcasing youthful energy and competition.
• Each adult team consists of 12 men, indicating the scale and organization of the matches.
• Five matches end in stalemate, demonstrating competitive parity among wrestlers.
• Two judges oversee the matches, ensuring fairness in the competition.
• Okafo wins the wrestling match, contributing to the communal spirit and rivalry.