Things Fall Apart

The drum announces the death of Okonkwo's adopted son, Ikemefuna, who was killed in accordance with the Oracle's decree. This news brings great sorrow to Okonkwo and his family.

The Oracle in Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" serves as a spiritual guide and authority in the community. It interprets the will of the gods, provides advice on important matters such as war and harvests, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the social and cultural order of the society. The Oracle's decisions are deeply respected and influence the daily lives of the people in the community.

The Week of Peace is a period of harmony and non-violence observed in some traditional African societies, often at the start of the planting season. During this time, conflicts are usually resolved peacefully, and people come together to promote unity and cooperation. It is seen as a sacred time to set aside differences and focus on community well-being.

One metaphor in Chapter 9 of "Things Fall Apart" is the comparison of Okonkwo's internal turmoil to a raging fire that he cannot control or extinguish. Another metaphor is the portrayal of Okonkwo's fall from grace as a mighty tree that is uprooted and destroyed by outside forces. These metaphors emphasize the destructive consequences of Okonkwo's pride and stubbornness.

Achebe did not translate the song in "Things Fall Apart" because he wanted to preserve the authenticity and cultural richness of Igbo language and traditions. By leaving the song untranslated, he allows the reader to experience the story in a similar way as an Igbo person would, immersing them in the cultural context of the novel.

Okonkwo hears the night jar, an African bird that cries "good night," as he goes to sleep. This is a comforting sound for him, as it signals the end of the day and brings him a sense of peace.

The unmasking of the Egwugwu symbolizes the spiritual power and authority of the ancestors in Igbo culture. It shows that the masked figures are not just regular men but are embodiments of ancestral wisdom and justice. By revealing the person behind the mask, it demonstrates that the spiritual realm is present and active in the community's social and legal affairs.

A symbol that best represents Ezinma from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" could be the beautiful and resilient ora flower. Like the ora flower, Ezinma is a bright and strong character who stands out among her surroundings, offering hope and beauty in the midst of challenges. Just as the ora flower thrives despite difficult conditions, Ezinma's spirit and intelligence shine through despite the hardships she faces.

Uchendu laments that the young men do not have respect for their elders and traditional customs anymore. He observes that they are more interested in seeking wealth and leaving the village, neglecting the values and wisdom passed down by their ancestors.

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.

His brashness in making himself manly and the main alpha male has a negative effect on the rest of his family. This is also seen in the 'Roaring Fire' analogy where he is sucking up all the oxygen and not leaving enough for the embers to develop on their own, only leaving behind impotent ash.

This may be a bit of a reach, as Okonkwo is not really one known for trickery; rather Okonkwo is a man of direct action.

Okonkwo hosts a large feast to express gratitude to his mother's family before returning to Umuofia. He wants to show appreciation for their support during his seven years of exile. This feast also serves as a way for Okonkwo to reaffirm his respect and status within the community.

As a child, Unoka sang to the kites as they returned from their migration. He sung because he was happy to see the kites, and he wanted to welcome the kites back from their journey. He also asked the kites if they had brought back any lengths of cloth.

Unoka probably enjoyed singing as a child, and was appreciative of the small miracle of these birds.

Okonkwo shows his thanks to Mbanta by offering sacrifices to the gods, obeying the customs and traditions of the community, and participating in community events and rituals. He also works hard to rebuild his life and reputation in Mbanta after being banished from Umuofia.

The Week of Peace is discussed in Chapter 4 of Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart." It is a tradition among the Igbo people where there is no violence, disputes, or work permitted at the beginning of the planting season in order to honor the earth goddess.

In "Things Fall Apart," Ezinma is often seen as the "child of promise" archetype. She is strong-willed, intelligent, and brings hope to her family, much like a prophesied figure or chosen one. Her close relationship with her father, Okonkwo, also plays into the archetype of the cherished daughter.

The oracle of the hills in "Things Fall Apart" is Agbala, also known as the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves. It is consulted by the people of Umuofia for guidance and to make important decisions in the community. Agbala is considered a powerful and mystical entity in the novel.

This quote is suggesting that it is important to not harm someone who is not causing any harm or provoking violence. It emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and restraint, especially when there is no direct threat.

The author quotes the Igbo proverb "When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk." This proverb in "Things Fall Apart" is used to describe how a beautiful moonlit night tempts someone to enjoy the outdoors, even if they are usually confined by their limitations.

Okonkwo's downfall is his inability to completely follow his tribes traditions, and then his inability to adapt to European colonization.

This is highlighted by the following events:

1. Okonkwo's beating of his wife during the week of peace.

2. Okonkwo's slaying of Ikemefuna.

3. Okonkwo's accidental killing of a tribesman.

4. Okonkwo's killing of the messenger.

5. Okonkwo's suicide.

The Feast of the New Yam in "Things Fall Apart" serves as a way for the community to give thanks to the earth goddess Ani for the previous harvest and to seek her blessings for a bountiful yam harvest in the upcoming year. It is a celebration of the harvest and an occasion for the community to come together, reconcile differences, and strengthen social bonds.

The quote that this question refers to comes at the end of Chapter 19, which is also the end of the second part of this compelling novel. The elder has just been surprised at the largesse and generosity of Okonkwo's feast that he has held for everybody, and he makes his thanks public in the speech, holding up Okonkwo's munificence of an example of respecting the old values and traditions of the tribe. He says this:

But I fear for you young people because you do not understand how strong is the bond of kinship. You do not know what it is to speak with one voice. And what is the result? An abominable religion has settled among you.

The elder is therefore refering to the way in which the tribe is becoming divided and is splitting over the presence of Christianity among them that seems to do so much to shake and move the tribe away from its traditional cultural roots and values. If you look at the speech in detail, you will see that the elder gives specific examples of how Christianity is viewed, in his eyes, as a threat to the unity of the tribe. The fact that the tribe does not now "speak with one voice" is therefore seen as a profoundly negative thing, as it weakens the tribe and brings the extinction of their values and beliefs one step closer.

When Ikemefuna falls ill and Okonkwo's daughter Ezinma brings food and medicine to him, it shows that Okonkwo's children respect Ikemefuna because they care for his well-being. They see him as a member of the family and show empathy and kindness towards him in his time of need.

In "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, the treatment of children reflects the societal values and traditions of the Igbo people. Children are expected to obey their elders, learn from their community, and uphold certain customs. However, the novel also sheds light on the impact of colonization and missionary influence on the traditional upbringing and treatment of children in the Igbo society.