Things Fall Apart

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.

In "Things Fall Apart," children are portrayed as innocent through their simplicity, curiosity, and lack of understanding of complex societal issues. They are closely connected to the earth through their playful interactions with nature and their carefree exploration of the world around them. This innocence and connection highlight the purity and vulnerability of children in contrast to the tumultuous changes and conflicts within the society portrayed in the book.

Okonkwo's children in Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart" are Nwoye, Ezinma, and Ikemefuna.

News travels fast in the village of Umuofia in "Things Fall Apart" because gossip spreads quickly through word of mouth. People gather in the marketplace to exchange information and rumors, and the town crier spreads important news throughout the village using a large bell. Additionally, the presence of the egwugwu, who have the power to enforce justice and settle disputes, ensures that information is disseminated efficiently among the community.

In "Things Fall Apart," the palm tapper taps palm trees to collect palm wine. This is an important occupation in the Igbo community and serves both economic and cultural purposes. Palm wine is used in ceremonies and celebrations among the Igbo people.

Okonkwo says to himself several times: "She should have been a boy."

Later he says to Obierika: "If Ezinma had been a boy I would have been happier."

Later Okonkwo thinks "I wish she had were a boy." Ezinma is one of the few people who understand Okonkwo as well as she does. "He never stopped regretting that Ezinma was a girl."

Children in "Things Fall Apart" enjoyed moonlit nights because it was a time when they could gather around a fire, hear stories from their elders, and participate in communal activities. The moonlight created a serene and mystical atmosphere, making it more conducive for storytelling and bonding within the community.

He played a game where if he said the words successfully and they ended at the right spot, it guaranteed that his mother was still alive. He succeeds the first time and does this a second time and fails, but he assures himself that it is only the first time that ever counts.

Nneka: first child born to Okonkwo in Mbanta. "Mother is Supreme."

Nwofia: son born 2 years after Nneka. "Begotten in the Wilderness."

At first Okonkwo is grateful to his mother's family for taking him in, and he names his child in gratitude to them. After awhile, he longs to return home, and names his child implicitly showing his feelings about Mbanta compared to Umuofia.

Okonkwo's third wife has many children including Nkechi. The other children are not strictly named or not directly attributed to her.

Obierika brings news that Abame has been destroyed.

Ezeudu's son was killed during the funeral ceremony when Okonkwo's gun accidentally went off and struck him, leading to his death. Okonkwo was trying to follow the traditional Igbo custom of using a gun to pay respects to the deceased, but the tragic accident resulted in the death of Ezeudu's son.

Ogbuefi Ezeugo brings the news that the Oracle has decreed that Ikemefuna must be killed. The men in the marketplace take immediate action and agree that Ikemefuna must be killed to avoid defying the Oracle and bringing misfortune upon the community.

One had to go through the priestess to gain access to the shrine of Agbala in Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart." The priestess acted as an intermediary between the people and the Oracle, ensuring that only those who were meant to enter the shrine did so.