It is not a single quote, but a combination of ideas that give this feeling of mentorship. Not only is Uchendu Okonkwo's uncle, but he is a successful man in his own right. He is older, wiser, and has had more wives than Okonkwo. Moreover, he has the power to call together his sons, daughters and Okonkwo. He has the first right to speak during this meeting. He challenges anyone to say that they know more than he does, but they do not. He asks Okonkwo a question, but Okonkwo does not know the answer, at which point he calls Okonkwo still "a child." Uchendu eventually answers his own questions, and ends the conversation unilaterally.
The birth of her children, which should be a woman's crowning glory, became for Ekwefi mere physical agony devoid of promise.
"Okonkwo's first son, Nwoye, was then twelve years old but was already causing his father great anxiety for his incipient laziness."
Achebe, Things Fall Apart.
This is inaccurate. Ekwefi gets pregnant often, but her children do not live long into infancy.
Motherhood is an important part to a woman in Igbo society. Ekwefi's nine other children had died
It appears that men offer proposals to the women and they decline or accept. This is shown when both Ezinma and Obiageli refuse marriage proposal in Mbanta in favor of marrying in Umuofia.A further consideration is whether the man has enough money to pay the bride-price. Okonkwo was unable to pay the bride-price for Ekwefi when he was young, and Ekwefi subsequently ran off to him years later. It is unknown if any consideration was paid to Ekwefi's former husband by Okonkwo.
Things Fall Apart was originally published in London.
Wrestling was the major sport in Things Fall Apart.
Ekwefi loses 9 of her 10 children in infancy.
This is inaccurate. Ekwefi gets pregnant often, but her children do not live long into infancy.
Ekwefi does not kill any tree. She takes some leaves of the banana tree for food preparation.
Tale not specified.
Ekwefi was the Crystal of Beauty in her youth, as was her daughter Ezinma.
Okonkwo's second wife is Ekwefi, mother of Ezinma. Okonkwo originally wished to have Ekwefi as his first wife, but he could not afford the dowry at the time. Ekwefi ran away from her first husband to be with Okonkwo.
Motherhood is an important part to a woman in Igbo society. Ekwefi's nine other children had died
Ekwefi is Ezinma's mother in the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. Their relationship is close and loving, with Ekwefi showing deep concern and empathy for Ezinma's well-being. Ekwefi sees Ezinma as her pride and joy, and their bond is a central aspect of the story.
It is probably a genetic trait. It may be inferred that Ekwefi was similar to Ezinma in this respect. The combination of Ekwefi and Okonkwo produced a child who was less likely to survive during infancy and early childhood due to susceptibility to illness, but would grow up well and beautiful if they survived.
Chielo is the priestess of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves in the village. She has a special relationship with Ekwefi, who is Okonkwo's second wife, because she is close to Ekwefi's daughter, Ezinma. Chielo often visits Ekwefi's compound to take Ezinma on spiritual journeys.
Ezinma was the only one of nearly a dozen of Ekwefi's children that survived past early childhood. Ekwefi treasures her deeply. Ezinma shares her mother's beauty when she grows up, even sharing the same nickname, the "Crystal of Beauty." They enjoy trading stories and singing to each other.
While her mother Ekwefi initially pampers Ezinma, it could be said that Okonkwo treats her with greater respect than the rest of his children.