Questions and Answers
Who is the missionary that replaces Mr. Brown in Umuofia?
Reverend James Smith
What does Mr. Smith tell the people about ogbanje, the evil children who are born over and over again to plague their mothers?
That these are stories led by the devil to lead men away and that those who believed these stories were not worthy to sit at the Lord's table.
Who touches off the conflict between church and clan in Umuofia that has been building since Mr. Brown left?
Enoch
What does Enoch do that is one of the greatest crimes a man can commit during the annual ceremony?
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What does the angry band of egwugwu do to Enoch's compound and the Christian church as revenge for unmasking one of the ancestral spirits?
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What option does Ajofia, the leading egwugwu, give to Mr. Smith when they come to the church?
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What does the District Commissioner do three days after the destruction of the church?
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What happens to the six leaders of Umuofia during their meeting with the District Commissioner?
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What punishment does the District Commissioner give the six leaders of Umuofia?
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How are the six leaders of Umuofia treated while in captivity?
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How many cowries do the court messengers ask the people for as payment to release their leaders?
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Why do the men of Umuofia meet in the marketplace after the village crier beats the message on the ogene?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Events
- Reverend James Smith replaces Mr. Brown as the missionary in Umuofia, leading to heightened tensions between the church and the clan.
- Mr. Smith's Doctrine: He denounces traditional beliefs, claiming ogbanje are devil-led myths used to misguide people, deeming believers unworthy of communion.
Catalyst of Conflict
- Enoch ignites conflict between the church and clan by unmasking an egwugwu, a profound act considered one of the greatest crimes during the annual ceremony.
Repercussions of Enoch's Actions
- The egwugwu retaliate by setting fire to Enoch’s compound and the Christian church, reflecting deep-rooted cultural and spiritual beliefs.
Igbo Leadership and Colonial Authority
- Ajofia's Ultimatum: Leading egwugwu confronts Mr. Smith, demanding that the church be destroyed and suggesting he can stay if he worships the Igbo gods.
- The District Commissioner, three days later, summons Umuofia leaders to his headquarters, escalating the colonial intervention.
Captive Umuofia Leaders
- Upon arrival, the six leaders are handcuffed due to alleged misconduct during their meeting, showcasing the power dynamics between the colonizers and the indigenous community.
- Punishment: Each must pay a fine of 200 bags of cowries, highlighting the exploitative nature of colonial rule.
Conditions of Captivity
- The detained leaders face harsh treatment: lack of food and water for two days, inability to use restrooms, and mockery from the messengers, showcasing the disrespect for their status.
Community Response
- The court messengers demand 250 bags of cowries for the release of imprisoned leaders, indicating the economic strain and further conflict.
- Marketplace Assembly: The men of Umuofia gather in the marketplace upon hearing the ogene, motivated by the urgency to pay the fine to prevent execution of their leaders.
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Description
Explore the pivotal characters and events in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. This quiz highlights the tensions between colonialism and traditional Igbo culture, focusing on figures like Reverend Smith and Enoch's controversial actions. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to the unfolding conflict in Umuofia.
