Chapter Summary
Who replaces Mr. Brown as the new missionary in Umuofia?
Reverend Smith
What is the main theme emphasized in Chapter 22?
Cultural conflict between Igbo traditions and colonial influence.
Why does Enoch challenge Igbo customs so aggressively?
Answer: He is an overzealous convert who wants to prove his devotion to Christianity.
How does the destruction of the church foreshadow future conflict?
It suggests that violence and colonial retaliation are inevitable
How does Chapter 22 highlight the cultural conflict between Christianity and Igbo traditions?
Reverend Smith’s strict approach contrasts with Igbo spiritual beliefs, fueling division and resistance.
How does Reverend Smith differ from Mr. Brown in his approach to converting the Igbo people?
Reverend Smith is much stricter and sees Igbo traditions as evil, unlike Mr. Brown who was more accommodating.
Why does Reverend Smith refuse to compromise with the Igbo people?
He believes their traditions are sinful and must be eradicated in favor of Christianity.
How does Reverend Smith respond to the egwugwu’s demand for justice?
He refuses to back down and sees the Igbo customs as idolatry that must be defeated.
What is the significance of the egwugwu’s actions in the grand scheme of the novel?
They highlight the growing resistance against colonial rule, leading to larger conflicts.
How does Reverend Smith’s leadership compare to Mr. Brown’s in terms of cultural understanding?
Mr. Brown respected Igbo traditions, while Reverend Smith viewed them as evil and sought to eliminate them.
What does Enoch, a Christian convert, do to provoke the Igbo community?
He unmasks an egwugwu, an ancestral spirit, which is a grave offense in Igbo culture.
How does Enoch’s unmasking of the egwugwu symbolize colonial intrusion?
It represents the literal and metaphorical destruction of Igbo traditions and religious authority.
What motivates the egwugwu to destroy the church?
They see it as a necessary act to restore respect for their traditions and ancestors.
What lesson does Okonkwo take from the egwugwu’s actions?
He sees it as a necessary step toward restoring Igbo strength, though others fear consequences.
What does the destruction of the egwugwu mask symbolize in the broader narrative?
It represents the breakdown of Igbo religious authority and the intrusion of colonial influence.
How do the egwugwu respond to Enoch’s actions?
They burn Enoch’s compound and later set fire to the church as a symbol of resistance.
What is one reason the Igbo community reacts so strongly to Enoch’s actions?
Unmasking an egwugwu is considered a deep spiritual violation, threatening the entire social order.
How does Reverend Smith’s leadership worsen tensions in Umuofia?
His rigid, uncompromising stance forces a more aggressive response from the Igbo people.
How does Chapter 22 set the stage for the downfall of Igbo traditions?
How does Chapter 22 set the stage for the downfall of Igbo traditions?
How does mutual inflexibility contribute to the conflict between the Igbo people and colonial forces?
Neither side is willing to compromise, making peaceful coexistence impossible and leading to greater violence.
What is the ultimate result of the conflict between the egwugwu and Reverend Smith?
The destruction of the church foreshadows greater tensions between the Igbo people and the colonial administration.
How does the destruction of the church reflect the broader impact of colonial rule?
It shows the growing unrest and resistance against the imposition of foreign beliefs.
In what way does Mr. Brown’s previous leadership contrast with Reverend Smith’s approach?
Mr. Brown sought mutual respect and coexistence, while Reverend Smith fosters division and intolerance.
What role does British colonial rule play in escalating tensions after the events of Chapter 22?
The British authorities will respond harshly, further weakening Igbo sovereignty.
How does the British colonial administration take advantage of the divisions in Umuofia?
They use the conflict to justify harsher control, exploiting internal discord to weaken traditional Igbo society.