CH. 1-3
How does an eighteen-year-old Okonkwo bring honor to his village?
He was a well-known, successful wrestler when he was young. As an adult, he was a wealthy farmer and strong warrior.
What is the festival that gives thanks to Ani, the earth goddess and source of fertility?
The Feast of the New Yam
What hopes does Okonkwo have for his son, Nwoye’s, future?
He wants Nwoye to be prosperous, that he will have enough to feed the ancestors with regular sacrifices, and he will be able to rule his women and children.
Okonkwo cures Ezinma. How did he do it?
A potion made of leaves and herbs is brewed and he puts her over the steam.
What is the tragedy that takes place during the final burial rites for Ezeudu while the cannon is shot and guns fired?
The 16 year-old son of Ezeudu is killed and Okonkwo and his family are exiled for seven years
Who is Okonkwo's father?
Unoka
Are Nwoye and Ikemefuna close? How does this make Okonkwo feel?
Ikemefuna acted as an elder brother. He made Nwoye feel grown up. Nwoye began acting more like a man. He was inwardly pleased, although he would not show it. He did, however, invite the boys to sit with him and told them stories of the land.
How can an observer tell if a communal ceremony is only for the men of the village?
The titled men and elders sit on stools while the women look on from the fringe like outsiders.
Why doesn't Okonkwo have any patience with his father?
He was lazy and improvident. He constantly borrowed money that he didn’t repay.
What happens during the Feast of the New Yam?
New yams were offered to these powers. The old yams of the previous year were disposed of. All cooking and serving utensils were washed. Yam foo-foo and vegetable soup were the main ceremonial dishes.
Okonkwo and the men of Umuofia take Ikemefuna deep into the forest and kill him with machetes. Who gives the final thrust of the machete that ends Ikemefuna's life?
Okwonko because he didn’t want to appear weak
What is the ceremony called and why is it important?
Egwugwu Ceremony - A woman’s birth family was having a dispute with her husband because he was mistreating her. The clan spirits would decide the outcome.
What happened to Okonkwo’s houses and barn?
They were demolished by the men from Ezeudu’s quarter.
What is the setting of the story?
Umuofia
How many children does Ekwefi have? How many survived?
10, only one survived
What does Ekwefi do after Chielo carries Ezinma away on her back?
She followed them to the cave of Agbala
Why does Okonkwo beat his second wife, Ojiugo, during the sacred Week of Peace?
Okonkwo beats his second wife, Ojiugo, during the sacred Week of Peace because she does not return early enough to cook the afternoon meal.
Who is the priestess of Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves, in real life?
Chielo
What names did Ekwefi give the children?
“Death, I implore you,” and “ May it not happen again.”
Where does Chielo bring Ezinma?
To the cave of Agbala
Why was the demolition of Okonkwo’s houses and barn allowed to happen?
The men were cleansing the land as they believed Okonkwo had polluted it.