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?
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Who was Okonkwo's father?
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Describe Unoka.
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What happened 2 or 3 moons after the harvest?
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What happened in Unoka's favorite season?
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What did Unoka sing as soon as he spotted the first kite?
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How did people start to react to Unoka?
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What did Unoka do when Okoye came to visit him?
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Who broke the kola and what else did he do while breaking it?
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As they ate, what did Okoye and Unoka talk about?
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What made Okoye not a failure?
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What is regarded highly in Ibo conversing?
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What was Okoye asking Unoka?
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How did Unoka respond to Okoye's request?
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What proverb did Unoka use towards Okoye?
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What was the final answer Unoka gave and how did Okoye react?
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What facts made Okonkwo a good and successful person?
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What proverb is used to describe how Okonkwo is not like his father?
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Who was Okonkwo made to look after?
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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.