Ibo Culture
What is an OBI?
A hut, a house
Who is Okonkwo?
the main character of the story and the fierce warrior of the Umofia people
What is Okonkwo's greatest fear?
Failure, ending up like his father
Describe Okonkwo
Fierce, warrior, manly, hard working, violent, demanding, overbearing
Who is the author of Things Fall Apart?
Chinua Achebe
What food is often eaten as a custom to show respect?
Kola Nut
Who is Nwoye?
Okonkwo's son
Who killed Ikemefuna? Why was he killed?
Okonkwo killed him after the Oracle of Hills and Caves proclaimed it
Describe Nwoye
weak, soft, reminds Okonkwo of his father with his laziness, but does mature under Ikemenafuna's influence
What country and time period is the novel set in?
1890s/precolonial Nigeria
Describe the family structure of an Ibo family.
One husband, many wives and many children (polygamy)
Who is Ikemefuna?
The lad from Mbaino given to Umofia after his father murdered a clanswoman, raised by Okonkwo as a son
What is the sport of manliness in Umofia that men often compete in?
Describe Unoka
Lazy, musician, didn't provide for his family
Who are the egwuwu?
Masqueraders of village ancestral spirits
What is the most imporant, manly crop that is grown in Umofia?
YAMS
Who is Obierika?
Okonkwo's best friend
Describe how Okonkwo deals with Ikemefuna's death.
Doesn't eat, distraught, but did what he had to do, trying to keep busy
Describe Ekwefi
Okonkwo's second wife: Beautiful, funny, outspoken
What bad thing happens to Enzima after Ikemefuna is killed?
She falls very ill with a fever
We often see musical instruments being played, such as the ogene and udu. Both of these are types of...
drums
Who is Ogbeufi Ezeudu?
The village elder and revered warrior
Nwoye and Okonkwo were growing closer together after having been estranged, but Nwoye is now terrified of Okonkwo after Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna.
Describe Enzima
Okonkwo's daughter, strong work ethic, close to her father, smart
Who was Ikemefuna's best friend?
Okonkwo's Son, Nwoye