Characters
What was Okonkwo's father's name?
Unoka
What is the third highest title in Umuofia?
What is Okonkwo afraid of?
Himself (being like his father).
What happened to the young girl and boy from Mbaino?
The girl was taken to Udo to replace his murdered wife, and the boy belonged to the clan as a whole. He was sent to live with Okonkwo.
Describe Unoka's lifestyle that was discussed at the beginning of the novel.
He was lazy and a debtor.
In the past, what happened to the man who broke the week of peace? Why did the custom stop?
The man was dragged on the ground through the village until he died. The custom stopped because it spoiled the peace which it was meant to preserve.
Describe at least 3 ways that Okonkwo was seen as successful in life.
He’s the greatest wrestler in all nine villages, he’s a wealthy farmer, he has three wives, he’s been successful in war, etc.
The year that Okonkwo meets with Nwakibie is “the worst year in living memory.” Why?
A drought wiped out the crops that were planted early/on time. Then, a flood came and drowned the rest.
How many children has Ekwefi had? How many survived?
10 total children. Only 1 survived (Ezinma).
What is the name of Okonkwo's first son?
Nwoye
What ultimatum did the town of Umuofia give to the neighboring town of Mbaino after a daughter was killed?
They could either have war with Umuofia or offer a young man and a virgin as compensation.
Give at least two details about the tortoise and birds folktale.
Answers will vary, but students may remember that Tortoise called himself “All of you” and was able to eat first and most because of that. Tortoise could not return because the birds took their feathers back, so he sent a message to put down soft items to break his fall from the sky. Parrot, the messenger, told Tortoise’s wife the opposite of the intended message, and Tortoise’s shell broke when he landed, thus explaining why his shell is not smooth.
What is the Oracle's name, and what is the priestess's name?
Agbala; Chielo
Why did Okonkwo have to flee to Mbanta for 7 years?
During a funeral, Okonkwo’s gun explodes, and a piece of iron pierces a boy’s heart and kills him. It is a “female crime” because it is an accident, so he is temporarily exiled.
What is an Ogbanje?
A child who, when they died, entered their mother’s womb to be born again.