Plot Points
What event causes Okonkwo to fear weakness and laziness in his sons?
Okonkwo's father, Unoka, was considered lazy and unsuccessful, and Okonkwo fears his sons might take after him.
This character compares the missionaries' church to a "house of deceit" and warns others against joining.
Who is Okonkwo?
What topics are explored through Okonkwo's obsession with masculinity and fear of weakness?
What is toxic masculinity and fear of failure? He adheres to the idea of masculinity because he is desperate to be different from his father. Ironically, this leads to his own downfall.
What is the Week of Peace, and why is it important in Umuofia?
The Week of Peace is a sacred week during which no violence is allowed. It is important because it is a time to honor the earth goddess, Ani, to ensure a good harvest.
What literary device is used when describing the locusts that descend on Umuofia, and what do they symbolize?
The locusts are a metaphor for the arrival of the colonizers, symbolizing destruction and change.
Why does Okonkwo beat his wife during the Week of Peace?
Okonkwo beats his wife because she did not cook dinner on time.
Who are the Osu?
This group of outcasts in Mbanta is among the first to join the Christian church, feeling accepted for the first time.
How does the topic of tradition versus change manifest in Part 1 of the novel?
The tension between the traditional customs of Umuofia and the new influences coming into the village, such as the arrival of the colonizers, highlights the topic of tradition versus change.
How do the people of Umuofia view twins, and what do they do with them?
Twins are considered evil, and they are abandoned in the Evil Forest to die.
How is foreshadowing used in the novel concerning Ikemefuna’s fate?
Foreshadowing is evident when the Oracle warns that Ikemefuna must be killed, and Okonkwo is advised not to take part in his death, hinting at the boy's eventual fate.
What does Okonkwo do when Ikemefuna is sentenced to death by the village elders?
Okonkwo strikes the final blow that kills Ikemefuna, despite being advised not to participate.
Who is Uchendu? What role does he play in Okonkwo's life?
Uchendu is Okonkwo’s maternal uncle who offers him refuge and guidance when he is exiled to Mbanta.
How is the topic of family portrayed in Part 1 of Things Fall Apart?
Family is depicted as both a source of strength and conflict, with Okonkwo’s relationships with his wives, children, and extended family highlighting the complexities of familial obligations and expectations.
What is the significance of the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves in the community?
The Oracle guides the spiritual and judicial decisions of the community, and its pronouncements are unquestioned, such as in the decision to kill Ikemefuna.
What does the fire symbolize in relation to Okonkwo’s character? What is he often referred to as?
Fire symbolizes Okonkwo’s fiery temperament, intensity, and destructive potential. He is often referred to as "Roaring Flame."
What is Mbanta?
This is the village to which Okonkwo is exiled after accidentally killing a clansman.
Who is Ekwefi? What is the name of her child and why is their relationship significant?
Ekwefi is Okonkwo's second wife, and her relationship with Ezinma is significant because Ezinma is her only surviving child, making her particularly precious to Ekwefi.
What role does the theme of fear play in shaping the actions of the protagonist, Okonkwo? Provide 3 examples.
Fear of being perceived as weak like his father drives Okonkwo to make harsh decisions, including violence against his family, contributing to his ultimate downfall. ie Ikemefuna's death, Nwoye's conversion to Christianity, Abusing wife during Week of Peace
Describe the role of egwugwu in Umuofia’s judicial system.
The egwugwu are masked elders who represent ancestral spirits and serve as judges in resolving conflicts and maintaining law and order in the community.
Identify an example of irony in Part 1 of Things Fall Apart.
It is ironic that Okonkwo, who strives to be strong and successful, makes decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall and exile. (Especially because it is a "female" crime that leads to his exile")
Who is the first person in Mbanta to convert to Christianity?
Who is Nwoye?
This character, the leader of the Christian missionaries, convinces Nwoye to join the new faith, creating tension in the clan.
Who is Mr. Kiaga?
What is the significance of the topic of fate and free will in the events of Part 1?
The tension between characters' attempts to exercise their free will and the seeming inevitability of certain events (e.g., Ikemefuna’s death, Okonkwo’s exile, arrival of missionaries, end of their traditions/culture) reflects the struggle between fate and free will.
What is the importance of yams in the Igbo culture as depicted in Part 1?
Yams are a symbol of wealth, manhood, and prosperity. They are considered the "king of crops" and are essential for determining social status.
Explain how Achebe uses imagery to convey the atmosphere of Umuofia.
Achebe uses vivid descriptions of the natural environment, village life, and customs to create a rich, sensory atmosphere that immerses the reader in the Igbo culture.