Things Fall Apart

Okonkwo attends the funeral of Ogbuefi Ezeudu, the oldest man in the village and a significant figure in Umuofia, to pay his respects and honor the esteemed leader. Ezeudu's death marks a pivotal moment in the community, symbolizing the loss of wisdom and guidance. Okonkwo's presence at the funeral also reflects his social obligations and the importance of maintaining ties within the clan, as such events reinforce communal bonds and respect for tradition.

• "Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, called the converts the excrement of the clan, and the new faith was a mad dog that had come to eat it up."
• '"No clan can boast of greater numbers or greater valour. But are we all here? I ask you: Are all the sons of Umuofia with us here?"'
• '"Our own men and our sons have joined the ranks of the stranger. They have joined his religion and they help to uphold his government. If we should try to drive out the white men in Umuofia we should find it easy. There are only two of them. But what of our own people who are following their way and have been given power? They would go to Umuru and bring the soldiers, and we would be like Abame."'
• "Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart."
• "You do not know what it is to speak with one voice."
• "He mourned for the clan, which he saw breaking up and falling apart"
• "The church had come and led many astray."

Basic interaction is how most wisdom is passed down.

Okonkwo, in particular, tells his children war stories. People tell each other fables. In general, people interact with each other, whether through large ceremonies like weddings, funerals, trials, rituals, and competitions, or smaller every day things like the weekly market, farming, small-talk, etc. People often use parables in their speech to make moralistic points.

In the village of "Things Fall Apart," boys began learning to become strong men through rites of passage, such as the "egwugwu" ceremony, where they needed to demonstrate bravery and endurance. They also learned through observing and emulating the behaviors of respected male elders in the community.

The British used Christianity and education as tools for colonizing Africa in "Things Fall Apart." They set up missions to convert the locals to Christianity, and established schools to spread Western education and values. This helped to erode traditional African beliefs and customs, making it easier for the British to exert control over the region.

In Chapter 11, the tenant farmer's houses begin to fall apart due to neglect and lack of resources for maintenance. The families struggle to keep up with repairs and improvements, leading to deteriorating living conditions. This symbolizes the larger issue of poverty and exploitation faced by tenant farmers during that time.

Ekwefi was the Crystal of Beauty in her youth, as was her daughter Ezinma.

In Chapter 24 of "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo returns to Umuofia after his exile in Mbanta. He finds that the arrival of the Christian missionaries has significantly changed the village, with many converts and the destruction of the traditional way of life. Okonkwo struggles to rally the villagers to resist the influence of the missionaries and protect their culture but ultimately realizes that his efforts are in vain.

Ezeani's tone when admonishing Okonkwo in the book "Things Fall Apart" was serious and disapproving. He spoke with authority and reproach, highlighting Okonkwo's wrongdoing and emphasizing the importance of upholding the customs and traditions of the community. Ezeani's tone conveyed a sense of disappointment in Okonkwo's actions.

In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo shoots at Ekwefi during the annual wrestling match out of frustration due to his anger and pride being hurt by her comment that Ezinma may not survive being married off. This act shows Okonkwo's impulsive and violent nature.

Ekwefi's comment suggests that perhaps Ezinma has finally recovered from her frequent illness and will now be around for a longer period of time. This reflects Ekwefi's hope and relief that her daughter's health may have improved.

Ezinma shares with her mother, Ekwefi, the secret name given to her by the priestess of the Oracle, Agbala. This secret name reveals Ezinma's fate and destiny, as it is believed to hold powerful insight into a person's future.

One metaphor used in "Things Fall Apart" is the phrase "the center cannot hold," which symbolizes the breakdown of traditional Igbo society and the protagonist, Okonkwo's, struggle to adapt to changing customs and values brought by colonialism. Another metaphor is the yam, which represents wealth, masculinity, and power in Igbo culture.

During his exile, Okonkwo had time to reflect on his mistakes and reassess his values. He gained a new perspective on his community and learned to appreciate aspects of his culture he had previously dismissed. This period of isolation allowed him to rediscover his sense of purpose and rebuild his spirit.

In "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo's clan refers to him as "Roaring Flame." This name reflects his fiery and passionate nature, as well as his reputation for being a strong and influential member of the community.

Okonkwo rules his household with a heavy hand because he believes it is a sign of strength and power. He is influenced by his fear of being seen as weak like his father, so he tries to assert his dominance through strict discipline and control over his family. Additionally, he believes that harshness is necessary to maintain order and uphold traditional values in his community.

It is surprising for Okonkwo to tell Ekwefi to go home because he typically displays a more dominating and controlling attitude towards others, especially his wives. Asking Ekwefi to go home shows a rare moment of vulnerability and concern for her safety, as the cave where they hear the "evil forest" drum is associated with danger.

Okonkwo wants his sons to be raised as strong and hardworking individuals, adept at farming and participating in tribal traditions. He values masculinity, courage, and the ability to succeed in the clan's competitive society. Okonkwo desires for his sons to not exhibit any signs of weakness or laziness.

Okonkwo finds a positive side to the sad harvest by recognizing that it presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his resilience and strength as a leader. He is determined to ensure that his family does not suffer as a result and sees it as a chance to prove his capabilities to his clan.

No, Obierika is not serious. He is using hyperbole to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and to express his disappointment in Okonkwo's actions. It is a cultural way of conveying the gravity of the situation without actually meaning it literally.

In "Things Fall Apart," the case brought before the egwugwu, where Uzowulu claims that his wife was taken from him against her will, mirrors Okonkwo's struggle for control in his own life. Both situations highlight the theme of traditional beliefs and cultural norms clashing with individual desires and personal agency. Okonkwo's efforts to maintain his status and authority are similarly challenged by external forces.

The elders of Mbanta gave a portion of the Evil Forest to the missionaries to build their church in "Things Fall Apart". This land was deemed uninhabitable and cursed by the villagers, making it a suitable location for the missionaries.