Questions and Answers
What is used to inform all the men of the Umuofia to meet in the marketplace the following morning?
ogene of the town crier
What do the people of Umuofia fear in the night?
darkness, because of evil spirits, animals, snakes
Okonkwo does not fear war. In the last war he fought, he brought home a souvenir which he drank palm-wine out of. What is this souvenir?
human skull
Who is the powerful orator that informs the ten thousand men of the emergency facing the nine villages of Umuofia?
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What is the emergency that the great orator announces at the meeting in the marketplace?
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What ultimatum is dispatched to Mbaino as a consequence of the murder of the woman from Umuofia?
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Why is Umuofia feared by all its neighbors?
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Okonkwo of Umuofia is the emissary of war to Mbaino. What does Mbaino give him as an offering for the murder of the woman from Umuofia?
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What are the things that Okonkwo fears most?
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What is the one passion that rules Okonkwo's life?
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Why is Okonkwo's 12-year-old son, Nwoye, causing him great anxiety?
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Ikemefuna is given to Okonkwo to live with him until the clan decides Ikemefuna's fate. How does Ikemefuna react to living with Okonkwo?
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Study Notes
Meeting and Communication
- The ogene, a traditional musical instrument, is used to summon the men of Umuofia for an urgent meeting in the marketplace.
- Darkness symbolizes fear due to the presence of evil spirits and wild animals, instilling apprehension in the people of Umuofia at night.
War and Violence
- Okonkwo exhibits bravery in war, having brought back a human skull as a trophy from his last battle, which he drinks palm-wine out of.
- Ogbuefi Ezeugo, a powerful orator, spreads the word of an emergency affecting the nine villages of Umuofia to a vast assembly of men.
Crisis Notification
- The emergency arises from the murder of a daughter of Umuofia, prompting immediate action from the community.
- An ultimatum is sent to the neighboring tribe of Mbaino, demanding either retribution through war or the offering of a young man and a virgin as compensation.
Reputation and Fear
- Umuofia is feared by surrounding tribes due to its formidable strength in both warfare and magical prowess.
Consequences and Offerings
- As the emissary of war, Okonkwo receives a 15-year-old boy named Ikemefuna as a peace offering from Mbaino for the murder incident.
Personal Struggles of Okonkwo
- Okonkwo is tormented by fears of failure and weakness, primarily driven by a deep-seated desire to distance himself from his father's legacy.
- His son, Nwoye, causes Okonkwo distress with his perceived laziness, which echoes traits of Okonkwo’s father, whom he despises.
Ikemefuna's Adjustment
- Ikemefuna, placed with Okonkwo until a decision is made regarding his fate, initially feels immense fear, confused by the circumstances surrounding his arrival, particularly concerning his father's involvement in violence.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the major themes in 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe. This quiz covers aspects such as communication, war, crisis management, and the reputation of Umuofia. Explore how these themes shape the narrative and character actions in the novel.
