Characters
This protagonist is a respected warrior known for his fear of weakness.
Who is Okonkwo?
This theme is shown through Okonkwo’s constant fear of becoming like his father.
What is fear of failure / fear of weakness?
This crop represents masculinity, strength, and success.
What are yams?
Okonkwo becomes famous after defeating this wrestler.
Who is Amalinze the Cat?
This musical instrument is played by Unoka and reflects his love of art over labor.
What is a flute?
This character becomes a tragic victim of tradition and is like a son to Okonkwo.
Who is Ikemefuna?
The novel explores how this force disrupts Igbo society through missionaries and colonial rule.
What is cultural change / colonialism?
Fire symbolizes Okonkwo’s personality—strong but also this destructive quality.
What is destruction?
Ikemefuna is killed because of this decision by the Oracle.
What is the Oracle’s decree?
This sacred period prohibits violence and is broken by Okonkwo early in the novel.
What is the Week of Peace?
Okonkwo’s son who struggles with his father’s expectations and later changes beliefs.
Who is Nwoye?
This theme is seen in the conflict between fathers and sons like Okonkwo and Nwoye.
What is generational conflict?
This insect-like symbol represents the overwhelming arrival of colonizers.
What are locusts?
Okonkwo is exiled for this crime.
What is killing a clansman accidentally?
This group of masked elders represents ancestral spirits and settles disputes.
Who are the egwugwu?
This priestess channels the Oracle and commands Ekwefi to follow her into the night.
Who is Chielo?
Achebe presents this idea as both powerful and limiting within Igbo society.
What is tradition?
The breaking of this during the Week of Peace symbolizes disruption of harmony.
What is peace / sacred tradition?
During exile, Okonkwo lives in this village.
What is Mbanta?
This storytelling form, often involving animals, is used to teach moral lessons.
What are folktales?
This thoughtful character often questions tradition and serves as a foil to Okonkwo.
Who is Obierika?
This complex theme shows how identity is shaped by both personal choices and cultural expectations.
What is identity vs. society?
Okonkwo’s gun accidentally killing a clansman symbolizes this idea.
What is fate / unintended consequences?
The arrival of these people marks the beginning of major conflict in the novel.
Who are the missionaries / colonizers?
This spiritual force is believed to influence a person’s destiny and success.
What is chi?