One could argue that it was Ezinma's minor bout with iba, which reminded her mother of all her other children who had died. You could also argue that overall, it was just Ezinma's fight to stay alive in general, with her frequent bouts of ill health.
Another possibility is the integration of Ezinma into society, which triggers memories of Ekwefi's youth when she was young and beautiful, a 'Crystal Beauty'.
Ezinma was Nwoye's half sister. Both of them share the father of Okonkwo, but Ezinma's mother is Ekwefi; Nwoye's mother is Okonkwo's first wife.
The priestess of the Oracle of Hills and Caves, or Chielo depending on your perspective.
Ezinma was an ogbanje child and Ekwefi is her mother. Since an ogbanje child is on whom dies but comes back to cause the mother pain, this shows that this was what Ezinma was supposed to do. Ezinma is the only child Ekwefi had and this was why. Because she is the only child, Ezinma and Ekwefi are very close.
They assume Ezinma is Okonkwo's daughter.Originally, they assume that Ezinma will die in her childhood like her brothers and sisters before her.They assume Ezinma is an ogbanje, a child who dies and returns to its mother to be reborn.They assume Ezinma will grow up as a tribeswoman.They assume Ezinma is straight.They assume Ezinma eats food.They assume Ezinma is an earthling.They assume Ezinma will marry a tribesman.They assume Ezinma will follow clan traditions.
Ezinma is told a story by her mother, that of Tortoise and the birds. Unfortunately, it does not contain a song. Ezinma is given the task of telling the next story. Ezinma begins, but is interrupted by Chielo. Ezinma is scared by her and begins to cry. Ezinma is given a piece of fish by her mother. Ezinma is taken by Chielo on her back. Ezinma is shown Agbala, throughout the nine villages and at the cave shrine.
Ezinma was an ogbanje, which is a child who dies and reincarnates multiple times to torment their parents. However, Ezinma's bond with her mother Ekwefi was strong, and she managed to break the cycle by surviving into adulthood.
The iyi-uwa is supposedly a magical cursed stone that is linked with Ezinma whom is said to be an ogbanje, or wicked child that dies only to be reborn in her mother's womb. By purifying the iyi-uwa, Ezinma is able to stay in this world and not torment her mother.
In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," it is Okonkwo who follows Chielo and Ezinma during their journey to the Oracle. Okonkwo is Ezinma's father and he accompanies them to the shrine to ensure Ezinma's safety.
Ezinma calls her mother by name, not Nne. Ekwefi also allows Ezinma to eat eggs. They talk to each other more as companions. Ekwefi only has one living daughter, so she treasures Ezinma. Ekwefi neurotically worries about Ezinma, as if she might pass away as well.
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.
There is not really much evidence in chapter 11 to support the conclusion that Ezinma is spoiled as a child. Ezinma is told a story by her mother, and given a piece of fish before her journey with with Chielo, but there is nothing greatly out of the ordinary. Chielo carries Ezinma.
Ezinma survived childhood, while 9 other of Ekwefi's children have died. Ekwefi is especially glad to have a child who has survived, as she values motherhood. Ekwefi spoils Ezinma, by letting her choose what food to cook and eat, including feeding Ezinma eggs, delicacies normally reserved for adults.