Questions and Answers
What is an Ogbanje?
A wicked child who dies young and enters its mother's womb to be born again.
What news does Ekwefi tell Okonkwo at the beginning of Chapter 9?
Ezinma is dying.
How does Ikemefuna's presence change Nwoye?
It kindles a fire in him and makes him feel grown up.
What news does Okonkwo receive shortly after the locust arrive?
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Who asks Ekwefi about Ezinma's well-being?
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What unusual event happens in Umofia?
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What was the purpose of the Feast of the New Yam?
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Why do several men visit Oberiaka's hut?
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What is Okonkwo's attitude toward the feast?
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Why does Okonkwo cut Ikemefuna down?
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Unlike other children, how does Ezinma address her mother?
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What sort of stories does Nwoye prefer?
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How many of Ekwefi's children died in infancy?
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Study Notes
Key Terms and Concepts
- Ogbanje: A malevolent spirit believed to cause a child to die young and subsequently return to its mother's womb for re-birth.
Chapter Summaries
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Chapter 9: Ekwefi reveals to Okonkwo that their daughter Ezinma is gravely ill, highlighting the emotional tension within the family.
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Impact of Ikemefuna on Nwoye: Ikemefuna instills a sense of maturity in Nwoye, sparking a newfound vigor in him.
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Ikemefuna's Fate: Shortly after the arrival of locusts, Okonkwo is confronted with the grim news that Ikemefuna must be killed, showcasing themes of fate and duty.
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Cheilo's Concern: The Oracle of the Hills and Caves, Cheilo, inquires about Ezinma’s condition, reflecting the community's belief in spiritual forces.
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Unexpected Natural Occurrence: The arrival of locusts in Umofia serves as a significant event, symbolizing both abundance and the unpredictability of nature.
Cultural Practices
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Feast of the New Yam: This festival honors the earth goddess, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for a fruitful harvest, emblematic of the culture’s agricultural roots.
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Marriage Arrangements: Oberiaka’s hut becomes a meeting place where men convene to plan a marriage for one of his daughters, illustrating the social aspects of communal life.
Character Dynamics
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Okonkwo’s Attitude Towards Celebration: Displaying his traditional views, Okonkwo exhibits disdain for the feast, preferring toil over revelry, which mirrors his internal conflict.
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Okonkwo's Actions Regarding Ikemefuna: To uphold his masculine image, Okonkwo participates in Ikemefuna's killing, embodying the conflict between personal feelings and societal expectations.
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Ezinma's Unique Relationship with Ekwefi: Ezinma addresses her mother by her first name, indicating a close and modern relationship not typical in their culture.
Family Tragedies
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Ekwefi’s Losses: Ekwefi suffers the heartbreaking loss of nine out of ten children during infancy, underscoring the harsh realities of life and death in their society.
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Nwoye's Story Preferences: Nwoye favors his mother’s stories about animals, in contrast to the masculine and often violent tales told by others, indicating his sensitivity and emotional depth.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts from Chapters 5-9 of 'Things Fall Apart'. This quiz includes definitions and significant plot points, enhancing your understanding of the themes and characters in the novel. Perfect for review or study before an examination.
