Author's Purpose
100: What is the primary reason Achebe wrote "Things Fall Apart"?
Answer: To depict the complexities of Igbo society before and during colonialism.
100: Describe the tone of the narrative in chapters 14-24.
Answer: The tone is somber and reflective, capturing the loss and transformation of Igbo culture.
100: Provide an example of vivid imagery in chapters 14-24 and its effect.
Answer: The description of the village during the feast creates a vibrant picture of Igbo culture, emphasizing community and tradition.
100: What historical event does Achebe allude to through the novel?
Answer: The colonization of Africa and its effects on indigenous cultures.
100: What rhetorical device does Achebe frequently use to emphasize cultural values?
Answer: Achebe often uses repetition to reinforce key themes and ideas.
200: How does Achebe's portrayal of Okonkwo serve his overall purpose in the novel?
Answer: Okonkwo's struggles highlight the clash between traditional values and colonial influences.
200: How does Achebe’s tone change when discussing the arrival of the missionaries?
Answer: The tone shifts to one of tension and conflict, illustrating the disruption caused by colonialism.
200: How does Achebe use imagery to depict the natural world in these chapters?
Answer: Imagery of the landscape highlights the connection between the people and their environment.
200: Identify an allusion to a traditional Igbo proverb in these chapters.
Answer: Achebe frequently references proverbs to convey wisdom and cultural values.
200: How does Achebe's use of dialogue serve a rhetorical purpose in the novel?
Answer: Dialogue reveals character motivations and the cultural context of their actions.
300: In chapters 14-24, what message is Achebe conveying about change and tradition?
Answer: Achebe illustrates the inevitability of change while emphasizing the importance of cultural identity.
300: Identify a passage that exemplifies a shift in tone and explain its significance.
Answer: The passage where Okonkwo faces his exile reflects a tone of despair, highlighting his internal struggle.
300: What role does imagery play in illustrating Okonkwo's internal conflict?
Answer: Imagery related to fire symbolizes Okonkwo’s anger and desire for control, reflecting his tumultuous emotions.
300: How do allusions to Western literature enhance the narrative?
Answer: They provide a contrast between Igbo traditions and Western ideologies.
300: Identify a rhetorical question used in chapters 14-24 and its impact.
Answer: A rhetorical question may highlight the futility of resistance against change.
400: Which events in these chapters exemplify Achebe's critique of colonialism?
Answer: The arrival of missionaries and the subsequent changes in the community structure.
400: What effect does the tone have on the reader’s understanding of the characters' emotions?
Answer: The tone deepens the reader’s empathy for the characters' struggles against cultural disintegration.
400: Analyze how imagery enhances the themes of change and loss in the novel.
Answer: Imagery of destruction and decay emphasizes the impact of colonialism on traditional life.
400: What purpose do biblical allusions serve in the context of the novel?
Answer: They highlight the conflict between traditional beliefs and the new religious influences introduced by missionaries.
400: Discuss how Achebe's choice of narrative perspective affects the reader's engagement.
Answer: The third-person limited perspective allows readers to understand Okonkwo's inner thoughts while maintaining distance.
500: How does Achebe use Okonkwo's character to express his views on masculinity and power?
Answer: Okonkwo's rigid adherence to traditional masculinity ultimately leads to his downfall, reflecting the dangers of toxic masculinity.
500: Analyze how Achebe's tone contributes to the overall themes of the novel.
Answer: The tone reinforces themes of loss, identity, and the impact of colonialism on traditional societies.
500: Discuss how sensory imagery contributes to the reader's experience of the setting.
Answer: Sensory details engage readers, allowing them to feel the vibrancy and tragedy of Igbo life.
500: Analyze the significance of allusions in shaping the characters’ identities.
Answer: Allusions contribute to the characters’ understanding of their cultural heritage and the challenges posed by colonialism.
500: Examine how rhetorical choices contribute to the themes of power and resistance in the novel.
Answer: Rhetorical strategies underscore the struggle between traditional authority and colonial forces.