Chapters 23
What do the first two paragraphs of this chapter suggest are the reasons that Okonkwo begins to feel happy again?
The first paragraph reveals that Okonkwo believes that the village might be returning to its roots.
The second paragraph further reveals that Okonkwo is happy that the village elders listened to him with respect when he demanded they take action
How is village life portrayed as already ended?
It is the period of the full moon, but there is no fun or play. The village is silent. Remember the earlier belief: “When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.”
What kind of opportunity would a war offer to Okonkwo?
One reason Okonkwo could want to go to war is to avenge the clan for the way it has been treated; however, the more likely reason is that he wants to return to the way he once was within the tribe.
Since his return, Okonkwo has been unable to return to the level of power that he once had—a war would be his opportunity to reclaim some glory.
How does the District Commissioner break faith with the leaders of Umuofia?
The District Commissioner pretends that he is going to ask the village leaders to share their side of the story about what has happened. Instead, the District Commissioner instructs guardsmen to arrest the men.
Based on what we already know about Okonkwo’s character, what does his insistence on war foreshadow?
Several times in the past, we have seen Okonkwo act rashly and selfishly, contrary to the will of his village and its elders. He violated the Week of Peace by beating his wife. He participated in Ikemefuna’s death , actually delivering the death-blow to a boy who considered him a father, against the edict of his superiors.
Now he is advocating an ill-advised war, at least in part hoping to restore himself to some of his lost status in the village. It is strongly foreshadowed that any violence against the Europeans can only end badly for the village
What punishment does the District Commissioner impose on the men? What is the men’s reaction?
The District Commissioner tells the men that they must pay 200 cowries and then they can be released. The men refuse to answer the District Commissioner
Reread the exchange between Obierika and Okonkwo. How does it reflect the characteristics of both men? What does it foreshadow for Okonkwo?
During the exchange, Obierika asks Okonkwo if he is afraid that Egonwanne will convince the clan not to fight. Okonkwo responds in a fashion that is typical of him . He does not care what the group does. He will fight anyway. The attitudes of both men are consistent with the way they have acted over the course of the novel. It clearly foreshadows Okonkwo’s destruction.
How are the men treated in the jail that is in opposition to what the District Commissioner tells the guards to do?
The District Commissioner tells the guards to treat the men with respect, but as soon as he leaves, the guards shave the men’s heads.
How does Okonkwo’s statement about not caring what the group does predict his fall as a tragic hero?
Throughout the entire novel, Okonkwo has acted rashly, arrogantly, not caring about the overall good of the village.
Each time the consequence was a little more severe. Eventually, his arrogance and disregard for the general welfare must result in his destruction
What simile does Achebe use to describe the village’s alarm and confusion? Why is this significant?
Achebe writes: “Umuofia was like a startled animal with ears erect, sniffing the silent, ominous air and not knowing which way to run.” He has used animal imagery throughout the novel to signify the place from which the tribe has come.
Up until now, however, the animal imagery has suggested strength, speed, agility. Now we have the image of an animal prepared to flee.
In what ways is Okonkwo’s slaughter of the head messenger climactic?
This is the most serious of Okonkwo’s rash and thoughtless actions.
Even his killing of Ikemefuna and Ezeudu’s son was unplanned and accidental. This death is intentional, and it cannot go unpunished. This event, then, must mark the beginning of Okonkwo’s final downfall as tragic hero.