Culture
How are traditional gender roles reinforced during the Feast of the New Yam?
Men play the role of yam cutters, while women prepare the other dishes.
What are the missionaries' goals?
To spread Christianity and Western values.
In Chapter 5, what is the primary source of conflict between Okonkwo and his youngest wife, Ojiugo?
Her breaking the peace during the sacred Week of Peace by plaiting her hair without his permission.
Examples of imagery from the text.
Various Answers
How does the traditional gender roles in Igbo society impact Nwoye?
Pressure to act like Okonkwo.
Must show stereotypical masculinity and be emotionless.
How does the arrival of the locusts impact the villagers' behavior and activities?
Created a festive atmosphere. The villagers come together to collect and prepare the locusts for consumption, celebrating with feasts, music, and dance.
What is Okonkwo's response when he discovers that his son, Nwoye, has been influenced by the missionaries?
Okonkwo is disappointed and sees it as a betrayal of their cultural and spiritual traditions.
Example of symbolism in the text.
Yams (Feast of Yams, prosperity, fertility)
Evil Forest (consequences, shame. wrongdoing, fear)
Ancestors/Spirits (blessings, guidance, morality, decision making)
Drums (culture, festivities, celebration)
How do the Igbo people honor their ancestors during the Feast of the New Yam?
By offering prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek their blessings and protection for the coming year.
What reaction does Okonkwo have when his wife, Ojiugo, fails to prepare his evening meal due to the Feast of the New Yam?
He is angry and beats her as punishment.
What is Nwoye's internal conflict?
Whether to join the missionaries and go against Igbo culture. Disappointing Okonkwo in the process.
Examples of repetition in the text.
Various Answers
("Week of Peace," "Feast of the New Yam," "Yam," "Evil Forest"...)
What is the significance of the missionaries' arrival?
Signifies the introduction of Christianity (Western values) challenging the traditional Igbo way of life by offering an alternative belief system.
In Chapter 6, what is the reaction of the Igbo villagers when they witness the missionaries' actions (the destruction of the sacred python)?
Confused, shocked, and fearful.
What tension arises when the villagers discuss the arrival of the missionaries?
They don't like them challenging the traditional Igbo beliefs.
Causes division in the community.
How does Achebe characterize the Evil Forrest?
The place where the spirits of outcasts and wrongdoers reside.
Associated with darkness and fear.
It symbolizes the consequences of moral transgressions and is considered a forbidden and feared place.
Why are the Igbo people so concerned about maintaining the favor of the ancestral spirits?
They believe that the spirits influence the community's well-being, prosperity, and protection.
What is the significance of Nwoye joining the missionaries?
Reflects his cognitive dissonance.
Reflects the theme of cultural change.
What internal conflict does Okonkwo face as beliefs and customs change in his community?
He is torn between his commitment to tradition and his desire to maintain his own reputation and authority.
What thematic topic is Achebe making by introducing the missionaries?
Themes of cultural change, fear of the unknown, diverging from parents'/community's belief (Nwoye).