Things Fall Apart Chapters 8-14 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does Okonkwo react to Ikemefuna's death?

Okonkwo seems tortured about Ikemefuna's death. He could not taste food, could not sleep, and drank palm wine from morning till night.

Why does Okonkwo doubt Oguefi Ndulu's strength?

Okonkwo doubted Oguefi because he always consulted his wife or others.

Why is Ezinma so special to Ekwefi?

Ezinma is her only child and center of her world. Ezinma is the only survivor, and they share a tight bond.

What does Okonkwo's reaction to Ezinma's illness show about him as a father?

It shows that he can be a caring father to people he really cares about, as he quickly gets herbs for medicine and builds a sweat lodge for her. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Indulgently' mean?

To give into whims, desires or wishes Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Rebuked' refer to?

An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Valor' mean?

Boldness in a battle Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Eqwugwu and how do they settle the wife-beating case?

Eqwugwu are the nine elders who settle the case by telling the husband to bring palm wine to her family and apologize. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Achebe includes the story of the Tortoise?

To show that greed can lead to negative consequences and that one should be grateful. Signup and view all the answers

Define masculinity.

Having qualities ascribed to men like strength or boldness. Signup and view all the answers

Define feminism.

Social, political, and economic rights for women equal to those of men. Signup and view all the answers

How has Okonkwo tried to protect Ezinma?

He looks out for her when she is sick, following her to the caves for healing. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the uri and explain what it represents in the Igbo community.

The uri is when the bride's suitor brings pots of palm wine to her immediate family. It represents an important cultural tradition. Signup and view all the answers

Define conspiracies.

A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. Signup and view all the answers

Define esoteric.

Intended for or understood by a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest. Signup and view all the answers

Define malevolence.

Condition or state of being malevolent (wishing harm or evil on someone). Signup and view all the answers

Define pandemonium.

Wild uproar or unrestrained order. Signup and view all the answers

Define notorious.

Famous or well-known typically for some bad quality or deed. Signup and view all the answers

Define orators.

A skilled public speaker. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Okonkwo's Emotional Struggles

Okonkwo is deeply affected by Ikemefuna's death, leading to a complete loss of appetite, insomnia, and excessive drinking.
His internal turmoil indicates a significant emotional capacity despite his typically stoic demeanor.

Doubts About Oguefi Ndulue

Okonkwo feels Oguefi Ndulue lacks strength for relying on others, particularly his wife, for decision-making.
Oguefi's approach exemplifies wisdom in seeking counsel, highlighting a contrast between leadership styles.

Ezinma's Significance

Ezinma is Ekwefi's sole surviving child, representing her emotional anchor and deep bond with her mother.
Their unique relationship, symbolized by sharing secret treats, emphasizes their closeness and mutual affection.

Okonkwo as a Caring Father

Okonkwo’s immediate actions to help Ezinma when she falls ill reveal a softer side, showcasing his care through proactive measures.
His actions indicate that, while he may not express emotions openly, he demonstrates love through attentive caregiving.

Vocabulary

Indulgently: To yield to whims or desires; acts as an adjective.
Rebuked: An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism; also refers to the act of criticizing someone's behavior.
Valor: Boldness or determination in facing danger; encompasses bravery and heroic courage.
Approbation: Noun referring to approval or praise.
Audacity: Noun denoting boldness or daring behavior.

Igbo Justice System

The Eqwugwu are nine masked elders representing different villages, serving as a court system.
In a wife-beating case, the ruling mandates the husband to apologize and compensate her family, revealing gender biases in justice.
The ruling reflects a community aimed at preventing violence, without severe penalties for the offender.

Moral Lessons from Stories

The tale of the Tortoise illustrates consequences of greed and ingratitude, reinforcing cultural morality through personification.
Tortoise as a trickster emphasizes the pitfalls of selfish behavior.

Gender Concepts

Masculinity: Attributes associated with men, such as strength and boldness.
Feminism: Advocacy for equal rights for women in all social, political, and economic spheres.

Okonkwo's Protective Nature

Okonkwo displays concern for Ezinma by following her to the caves for healing, showcasing his protective instincts.
His pacing around the cave indicates a deep care that contrasts with his usual stoicism.

Cultural Customs

Uri: The ceremony where the groom presents palm wine to the bride's family, signifying engagement and cultural bonding within the community.

Miscellaneous Vocabulary

Conspiracies: Secret plans devised by groups to commit unlawful acts.
Esoteric: Knowledge or interests understood by a small group, often specialized in nature.
Malevolence: The state of wishing harm or evil on others.
Pandemonium: A state of wild uproar or chaos.
Notorious: Well-known for negative reasons or actions.
Orators: Skilled public speakers, often influential in discourse.

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Explore the key themes and character reactions in chapters 8 to 14 of 'Things Fall Apart' through these flashcards. Understand Okonkwo's emotional turmoil over Ikemefuna's death and his perceptions of elders in the clan. This quiz will help reinforce your comprehension of these pivotal moments.