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Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart is the novel by Chinua Achebe. The novel, the protagonist Okonkwo, and the various plot lines are discussed in this category.

1,374 Questions

How was the town called together to meet things fall apart?

In "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, the town was called together for meetings through the beating of the ogene, a musical instrument. The beats of the ogene were symbolic signals that summoned the villagers to gather at the village square for important discussions and decisions.

What are the three things that make a man a man in igbo culture in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe?

In "Things Fall Apart," masculinity in Igbo culture is often associated with physical strength, wealth, and one's ability to provide for their family. A man's reputation in the community, his success in farming or hunting, and his participation in tribal rituals and ceremonies are also important aspects of defining masculinity in Igbo society.

What did Enoch supposedly do to the sacred python?

Enoch supposedly kills and eats the sacred python, despite his father being the snake-priest.

Why do you think the guards and messengers treat the men of Umuofia so badly in things fall apart?

In "Things Fall Apart," the guards and messengers treat the men of Umuofia badly due to their roles as agents of colonial authority, which often involves exerting power over the local populace. This mistreatment reflects the broader themes of oppression and cultural clash, as the colonial forces disregard the customs and dignity of the Igbo people. Additionally, the guards' actions may stem from their own need to assert dominance in a situation where they feel empowered, further deepening the divide between the colonizers and the indigenous community.

How have Unoka failures affected Okonkwo start in life?

Unoka's failures served as a source of shame for Okonkwo, pushing him to strive for success and distance himself from his father's reputation. Okonkwo's drive to succeed was fueled by a desire to overcome his father's shortcomings and establish himself as a respected and successful member of the community. Ultimately, Unoka's failures influenced Okonkwo's fierce determination to achieve greatness and avoid the same fate as his father.

Things Fall Apart how do you describe Ezeudu's Funeral?

Ezeudu's funeral in "Things Fall Apart" is a grand and solemn event, reflecting his status as the village leader and a respected elder. The ceremony is marked by traditional rituals, mournful music, and communal mourning, highlighting the deep cultural significance of death in Igbo society. As the villagers gather to pay their respects, the event underscores themes of loss, communal identity, and the importance of ancestral ties. The funeral also foreshadows tragic events that disrupt the community's harmony.

What crime does okonkwo commit during the week of peace from things fall apart?

Okonkwo commits the crime of beating his wife, Ojiugo, during the Week of Peace by violating the rules of the sacred week. This action angers the gods and disrupts the peace and sanctity of the community.

How does his relationship with his father set okonkwo up to experience conflict in the future?

Okonkwo's relationship with his father, Unoka, is characterized by shame and disappointment, as Unoka is seen as lazy and unsuccessful. This deeply ingrained disdain for weakness drives Okonkwo to become excessively ambitious and authoritarian, leading him to adopt a harsh and unforgiving demeanor. His fear of failing like his father sets him on a path of rigid masculinity and emotional repression, creating internal and external conflicts as he struggles to maintain his status and identity within the community. Ultimately, this conflict with his father's legacy shapes Okonkwo's tragic trajectory in the story.

Why did Okonkwo hang himself in end instead of starting a war himself like he said he would?

Okonkwo hanged himself because he felt powerless after his society had been fundamentally changed by the arrival of the white colonizers. He realized that the traditional ways of his people were no match for the influence of the colonizers and he could not see a way to rise above it. His suicide was a final act of defiance and a way to maintain a sense of control over his own destiny.

What was the village's reaction to Okonkwo's death in Things Fall Apart?

Only Obierika's reaction is shown in Things Fall Apart. Obierika is driven to despiar and anger at the District Commissioner and his men. He considers Okonkwo one of the greatest men in Umuofia.

Later, in Arrow of God, it is revealed that Okonkwo was lionized as the symbol of the pride of Umuofia and the Igbo as a whole. Okonkwo rejects living in a world where he would have to sacrifice his pride and demean himself before a greater colonial power.

Where does Obierika get the bags of cowries that he brings to Okonkwo?

Obierika sold the yams from Okonkwo's farm that they stored in Obierika's farm when Okonkwo was getting exiled.

What was the tradition of burying a husband and wife at the same time in Things Fall Apart?

There is no such tradition, as a man and woman rarely die at the same time.

However, when this did happen, the wife had to be buried before they would announce that the man had died with the ogene.

What is the significance of the wall of red earth in Things Fall Apart?

Red earth is used to build walls. Red earth cleans the walls and makes them shine.

What are ways the Ibo tribe offers peace on a regular basis in Things Fall Apart?

  • When there is a grievance, people offer their apologies and ask forgiveness, sometimes providing material items as a token of forgiveness.
  • People go to the representative of the gods and ask how to atone, which is usually by offering a sacrifice to the gods.
  • When someone is angered to the point of fighting, the offender may back down by withdrawing their remarks, thus keeping the peace.
  • There is an annual week of peace, in which no act of violence is to be committed.

These situations also offer peace on a irregular basis.

  • When someone is about to die from a serious illness such as that of swelling of the limbs (probably failure of the liver), they are dragged into the Evil Forest and left to die, ensuring the somber peace of the village.
  • When a man has accidentally killed another man in the village, his property is burnt down, the man is exiled for 7 years, and the spirit of the clan is pacified.
  • When a clan has a grievance with another clan, they offer a messenger of peace with terms for a settlement before war is decided upon.

Who do the egwugwu represent?

"Egwugwu" is used in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe to represent the gods.

Why does Ekwefi have a bitter attitude about life?

Ekwefi has a bitter attitude about life because she has suffered significant hardships and losses, including the deaths of her many children. These traumas have shaped her outlook on life, leading to feelings of resentment, sorrow, and disillusionment.

What does the clan do about Enoch's actions in Things Fall Apart?

When Enoch boasts that the egwugwu would not dare to touch a Christian, one egwugwu gives Enoch a stroke with his cane.

When Enoch tears off the egwugwu's mask, the other egwugwu surrounded their fallen comrade and shielded their companion from the profane gaze of women and children. The egwugwu chop and burn down Enoch's compound while ordinary men and women stayed in their houses. They attempt to talk to Mr. Smith, and end up burning down the church, presumably with Enoch in it.

Why did the chartists fall apart?

The chartists fell apart as they all had tried absolutely everything and nothing had worked for them

hope this helped :)

What attitudes do the Africans express about the white men in Things Fall Apart?

The Nigerians see the white men as strange and their religion as bizarre. They make fun of the white men's religion and the way their interpreters speak, saying a phrase that sounds like "my buttocks." Further, they make fun of the Court Messengers, calling them "Kotma of the ash buttocks," and saying they are "fit to be a slave."

What is the purpose of the oracle in things fall apart?

The purpose of the Oracle was to provide guidance to the villagers. The Oracle provided wisdom from the ages through its priestess whom it communicated through.

What is the percentage of families that fall apart due to money issues?

Money alone, almost none. There is always a combination of factors, of which money is a common ingredient.

What insect visits the village in things fall apart?

In Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," the village is visited by locusts. This event occurs when a swarm of locusts descends upon Umuofia, initially causing excitement among the villagers as they anticipate a feast. However, the locusts quickly consume crops and foliage, highlighting the themes of nature's unpredictability and the fragility of the villagers' agricultural lifestyle. The locusts symbolize both abundance and destruction in the context of the community's relationship with their environment.