Okonkwo & Family
Who is Okonkwo's father?
Unoka
Who is Okonkwo's best friend?
Obierika
What crop is a symbol of wealth and masculinity?
Yams
What new religion arrives in Umuofia and Mbanta?
Christianity
Where does Okonkwo go when he is exiled?
Mbanta
What is Okonkwo's greatest fear throughout the novel?
Becoming weak and unsuccessful like his father, Unoka.
What achievement first helps Okonkwo become famous in Umuofia?
Defeating Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling match.
Who is the boy sent to live with Okonkwo's family?
Ikemefuna
What is the name of the sacred week when violence is forbidden?
The Week of Peace.
Which of Okonkwo's sons joins the Christian church?
Nwoye
What happens to Okonkwo's village while he is in exile?
Christianity and colonial government gain influence, and the clan becomes divided.
What character trait causes many of Okonkwo's problems?
His fear of weakness, anger, pride, or stubbornness.
Why does Okonkwo wish Ezinma were a boy?
He admires her strength and personality and thinks she would make a good son.
Who is Ezinma's mother?
Ekwefi
What are the masked ancestral spirits who help settle disputes called?
The egwugwu
Which missionary is more peaceful and understanding: Mr. Brown or Reverend Smith?
Mr. Brown
What does Enoch do that angers the clan?
He unmasks an egwugwu.
What does Ekwefi's decision to follow Chielo show about her?
She deeply loves Ezinma and wants to protect her.
Why does Okonkwo help kill Ikemefuna?
He is afraid of looking weak.
Who gives Okonkwo advice during his exile?
Uchendu
Why is Okonkwo forced to leave Umuofia for seven years?
He accidentally kills a clansman's son at a funeral.
Why do some outcasts join Christianity?
The church accepts them when traditional society has rejected them.
Why are Okonkwo and the other village leaders arrested?
They are blamed for destroying the Christian church.
What message about family does Okonkwo and Nwoye's relationship teach?
Harsh expectations and a lack of understanding can damage family relationships.
Why does Okonkwo have a difficult relationship with Nwoye?
He thinks Nwoye is weak and does not meet his expectations.
Which character questions Okonkwo's decision to help kill Ikemefuna?
Obierika
What does Okonkwo's punishment during the Week of Peace show about Igbo society?
Even respected and powerful men must follow religious traditions.
What is one major difference between Mr. Brown and Reverend Smith?
Mr. Brown tries to compromise and understand the Igbo people, while Reverend Smith is strict and less tolerant.
What does Okonkwo realize when the villagers do not support him after he kills the messenger?
The clan is not willing to fight the colonial government.
Why is the District Commissioner's plan to write briefly about Okonkwo important?
It shows how outsiders can oversimplify someone's life and fail to tell the full story.