Changing Faces
How does Okonkwo’s fear of becoming like his father affect his actions early in the novel?
Okonkwo is driven by fear of being weak or lazy like his father, so he works hard and hides all emotion.
What does Achebe show about masculinity through Okonkwo’s character?
Achebe shows how Okonkwo’s version of manliness, strength without emotion, ultimately destroys him.
“Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond.” — What does this opening line tell us about how the community sees him?
The first line shows Okonkwo’s fame and sets him up as a respected man whose fall will be tragic.
What point of view is the novel written in? Why does that matter?
The story is told in third-person, letting readers see many perspectives and understand Igbo life deeply.
What would Okonkwo’s favorite gym playlist sound like?
Okonkwo’s playlist would be all intense, angry songs—no slow ones.
How does Nwoye change after meeting the Christian missionaries?
Nwoye becomes drawn to Christianity because it feels peaceful and rejects his father’s cruelty.
How is tradition vs. change represented in the story so far?
The Igbo people’s traditions clash with new Christian and European beliefs, causing conflict and division.
“Nwoye knew that it was right to be masculine and to be violent, but somehow he still preferred the stories that his mother used to tell.” — What conflict is shown here?
This shows Nwoye’s inner conflict between what his father expects and what feels right to him.
Give an example of an Igbo proverb used in the novel and explain its meaning.
“Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten” means wise sayings make speech smooth and respected.
If you had to give Unoka a modern job, what would it be and why?
Unoka would be a musician because he’s creative and avoids hard labor.
Why does Ikemefuna have such a strong influence on Nwoye?
Ikemefuna is like an older brother who helps Nwoye act confident and think differently from Okonkwo.
How does fear influence the decisions of at least two characters?
Fear controls both Okonkwo and Nwoye. Okonkwo fears weakness, Nwoye fears his father’s violence.
“He heard Ikemefuna cry, ‘My father, they have killed me!’ as he ran toward him.” — What does Okonkwo’s response reveal about his character?
Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna to prove strength, showing how fear of weakness rules him.
What literary device does Achebe use when describing the locusts?
The locusts symbolize the coming of the white men—at first exciting, but soon destructive.
If you could swap one character from Things Fall Apart with a modern celebrity, who would it be and why?
Unoka → Post Malone — both chill, musical, and allergic to responsibility.
What is one way Okonkwo’s exile in Mbanta changes his perspective or weakens his power?
Exile humbles Okonkwo, as he loses power and realizes his life’s work can vanish overnight.
Explain how religion becomes a theme that divides and connects people.
Religion brings comfort to some like Nwoye but breaks families apart, showing both sides of faith.
“Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.” — Who says this and what does it symbolize about Okonkwo’s family?
Okonkwo calls himself “living fire” and Nwoye “cold ash,” meaning his power only created failure.
Identify and explain one example of irony in the story.
It’s ironic that Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna to look strong, but it actually weakens him and leads to his downfall.
What animal best represents Nwoye? Explain.
Nwoye would be a dove—gentle and searching for peace.
Compare and contrast how Okonkwo and Obierika each deal with change in Igbo society.
Okonkwo rejects all change with anger, while Obierika questions old customs and thinks before acting.
What message might Achebe be sending about colonialism before the Europeans even arrive fully?
Achebe hints that Igbo society is strong but also rigid, making it easier for colonial powers to take over.
Choose any quote you find meaningful from chapters 10–19. Explain how it connects to one major theme. (open-ended discussion question)
“The white man has put a knife on the things that held us together” shows how colonialism destroys Igbo unity.
How does Achebe use foreshadowing to hint at Okonkwo’s eventual downfall?
Achebe foreshadows Okonkwo’s fall through his violent temper and constant fear of weakness.
If Okonkwo had a catchphrase like a movie hero, what would it be?
“Real men don’t rest, they conquer.”