Things Fall Apart Character Analysis

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Questions and Answers

How had Okonkwo brought honor to his village?

By throwing Amalinze the Cat 20 or more years ago.

Who was Amalinze the Cat?

He was the great wrestler who was undefeated for seven years.

How many villages is Okonkwo known in?

The 9 villages.

What are some characteristics of Okonkwo?

Tall, huge, wide nose, bushy eyebrows, slight stammer. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Okonkwo's father?

Unoka. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Unoka.

Tall, very thin, had a haggard and mournful look. Signup and view all the answers

What happened 2 or 3 moons after the harvest?

Musicians brought down their instruments and played with dancing egwuwu. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Unoka's favorite season?

Rain stopped, it was cool due to harmattan wind. Signup and view all the answers

What did Unoka sing as soon as he spotted the first kite?

He welcomed it back and asked if it brought home any lengths of cloth. Signup and view all the answers

How did people start to react to Unoka?

They laughed at him for being a loafer. Signup and view all the answers

What did Unoka do when Okoye came to visit him?

He got up and got a disc with kola nut, alligator pepper, and white chalk. Signup and view all the answers

Who broke the kola and what else did he do while breaking it?

Okoye broke the kola and prayed to their ancestors. Signup and view all the answers

As they ate, what did Okoye and Unoka talk about?

Heavy rains drowning the yams and the impending war. Signup and view all the answers

What made Okoye not a failure?

He was musically talented and financially secure. Signup and view all the answers

What is regarded highly in Ibo conversing?

The use of proverbs. Signup and view all the answers

What was Okoye asking Unoka?

To return the 200 cowries he borrowed 2 years back. Signup and view all the answers

How did Unoka respond to Okoye's request?

He burst out laughing and pointed at his debts. Signup and view all the answers

What proverb did Unoka use towards Okoye?

The sun will shine on those who stand before it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the final answer Unoka gave and how did Okoye react?

He said he would pay after his big debts; Okoye left upset. Signup and view all the answers

What facts made Okonkwo a good and successful person?

Greatest wrestler, wealthy farmer, has three wives and two titles. Signup and view all the answers

What proverb is used to describe how Okonkwo is not like his father?

If a child washed his hands, he could eat with the Kings. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Okonkwo made to look after?

Ikemefuna, the doomed lad sacrificed to avoid war. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Okonkwo's Honor and Strength

Okonkwo gained respect by defeating Amalinze the Cat, an undefeated wrestler, over 20 years ago.
Recognized across nine villages, Okonkwo embodies strength and achievement.

Amalinze the Cat

Amalinze, an undefeated wrestler for seven years, earned his nickname due to his ability to always land on his back.

Okonkwo's Physical Description and Traits

Tall, massive build with a wide nose and bushy eyebrows, giving him a stern appearance.
Breaths heavily, noticeable at night; demonstrates impatience for failure, particularly towards his father.

Unoka: Okonkwo's Father

Unoka, who died a decade ago, is characterized as lazy and irresponsible, emphasizing a carefree life of spending on palm wine.
Tall and thin, his appearance is described as haggard except when intoxicated or playing the flute.

Cultural Context: Festivals and Music

After the harvest, musicians perform and dance, a reflection of communal joy, with Unoka among them, highlighting his artistry.
The arrival of the harmattan winds marks a change in weather, noted for its cooling effects and the ambiance filled with kites and song.

Unoka’s Financial Struggles

Unoka is ridiculed for his lack of success, leading to a stigma that isolates him from loan opportunities.
His recognition as a loafer instills a sense of failure and embarrassment, shaping Okonkwo's disdain for weakness.

Interaction with Okoye

During Okoye's visit, Unoka observes customary rituals involving a kola nut, highlighting communal respect and ancestral prayer.
Conversations in Ibo culture revolve around significant topics like agriculture and warfare, yet shift to music due to Unoka's fears.

Okoye’s Success

Contrasting Unoka, Okoye thrives as a skilled ogene player, owns a large yam barn, has three wives, and has earned a prestigious title in their society.

Proverbs and Their Importance

Use of proverbs signifies wisdom and eloquence in Ibo dialogue, reinforcing socio-cultural values.
Unoka employs a proverb to highlight the dynamics of social standing and recognition within society.

Debt and Loan Dynamics

Unoka’s response to Okoye’s loan request reveals a tangled web of debts; each line representing 100 cowries owed to various creditors.
Okoye leaves frustrated after Unoka promises to clear his debts only after settling larger outstanding obligations.

Okonkwo's Distinction from Unoka

Okonkwo is portrayed as successful and respected, in stark contrast to Unoka’s failures, illustrated by his wealth and wrestling prowess.
A proverb illustrates Okonkwo’s elevated status: "If a child washed his hands, he could eat with the Kings," symbolizing respect earned through effort.

Ikemefuna's Introduction

Okonkwo is tasked with protecting Ikemefuna, a boy sacrificed to Umuofia to prevent conflict, an indication of the community's complex moral codes.

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Description

Explore the depth of Okonkwo's character and his complex relationship with his father Unoka in Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'. Delve into the cultural significance of strength and personal achievement in Igbo society, while also understanding the traits that define these pivotal characters.