Study Guide Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

chapters that follow, think about why Achebe chose to end the first chapter with this reference. Consider the connections between Okonkwo's feelings about his father, his own value system and character traits, and his feelings about Ikemefuna.

Part One One 1. Chapter One establishes Okonkwo's character in contrast to the character of his father Unoka. Discuss specific examples that illustrate these opposites: wrestler vs. musician

Two 1. One of Okonkwo's accomplishments is that he has brought home the heads of men he has killed. How do you react to his account of this accomplishment?

Why do you think Achebe presents this rather shocking behavior in the way he does? personal achievement vs. failure

brave warrior vs. coward

2. Why is Ikemefuna brought to Okonkwo's village and why is he designated the caretaker?

anger vs. gentleness

hard work vs. passive enjoyment

3.What explanations are given in this chapter for Okonkwo's fiery temper?

wealth vs. indebtedness

Compare Nwoye to his father and grandfather.

Compare the values of the two men. What positive and negative qualities do you see in each of them?

2. What is your reaction to Unoka's plan to pay back his biggest debts first and his refusal to pay back Okoye? 4. Sketch a picture of Okonkwo's compound. Note: The chapter ends with a reference to Ikemefuna, a character who becomes very important to Okonkwo's fate. As you read the

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rituals are in the life of the tribe. What do they show about hierarchy? courtesy and respect?

Does Western society have comparable rituals?

4. Why does Okonkwo continue to suffer despite Nwakibie's help?

Notice the way the weather--especially the extremes of rain and sun-affects the behaviors and emotional states of being of the characters. 5. Unoka offers praise to Okonkwo at the end of the chapter. Why is the son so unreceptive to this support? Three 1. Explain what Unoka was told when he went to the Oracle of Agbala to question his lack of success as a farmer.

Four 1. What evidence is there that his fellow tribesmen disapprove of Okonkwo? Is their disapproval justified?

Priestesses of the Earth Mother and this goddess herself play a very important role in Okonkwo's life. How do you explain their powers?

2. Consider the contrast in Unoka's death of shame and the importance of Nwakibie in the tribe. Does Okonkwo deserve the help he is given? What does the help given show about the social structure of the tribe?

2. Okonkwo's behavior in.relation to his family and his adopted son Ikemefuna is explored in this chapter. What are your reactions to this revelation of his character? 3. What does Ezeani prophesy will happen as a result of Okonkwo's beating of his wife during the Week of Peace?

4. How do you react to Okonkwo's treatment of and feelings about his son Nwoye? 3. Examine the ritual of eating that precedes Okonkwo's request. Notice how important eating

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Why is this an important event for the village? 5. What is the effect of Ikemefuna's story telling on Nwoye?

Five 1. The events of this chapter mirror the preceding one. How does Okonkwo's bad temper mar the preparations for the Feast of the New Yam?

How does Ekwefi insult Okonkwo?

2. Describe the double life of Chielo, the priestess of Agbala.

Seven 1. Throughout the novel, Achebe includes examples of African folk tales. Review the tale of the Earth, Sky, and Vulture. Is the story in any way connected to the events of this chapter?

2. Why does Ekwefi love the wrestling matches? 2. What effect does the coming of the locusts have on the village? 3.What contrasting characteristics of Okonkwo's relationship with his second wife are brought out in this chapter? Do you think this event has anything to do with the decision to kill Ikemefuna?

3. Why does Ezeudu advise Okonkwo not to participate in the killing? 4. How do you think Okonkwo feels about his two daughters Ezinma and Nkechi as he interacts with them when they bring him food at the end of this chapter? 4. Describe the reactions of Ikemefuna and Nwoye to the events that immediately precede the killing. 5. What eating rituals are illustrated in this chapter? 5. Why does Okonkwo not heed Ezeudu's advice? Six 1. Describe the ceremonies and social conventions that accompany the wrestling matches. 6. What is meant by the phrase "a snapping inside him" with reference to Nwoye's reaction to the killing? What other event had this same effect on him?

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place is bad in another"-and of rumors about the white man. What is the significance of Achebe's juxtaposition of these two issues? Begin making a list, from what you have read so far and as the novel continues, of events and situations that lead to Nwoye's increasing separation from his father. Nine 1. Does the story of the Mosquito and the Ear have any significance for the circumstance of Okonkwo's uneasiness about the killing of Ikemefuna? Explain. Eight 1. For two days Okonkwo cannot eat and for three days he focuses on the death. How would you evaluate his response to the killing?

2. Describe the beliefs about the cause of the deaths of Ekwefi's children.

2. In this chapter Okonkwo keeps repeating his wish that Ezinma had been a boy. Why does this wish emerge after Ikemefuna's death?

What are an ogbanje and an iyi-uwa?

3. What is Okonkwo's opinion of the mutual dependency of Ndulue and his wife?

What is your reaction to the search for the iyi-uwa and to Ezinma's directions to its hiding place?

What does this detail reveal about his concept of manliness? 4. Examine the the discussion about the value of titles between Obierika and Okonkwo. Then trace the pattern of the eating and negotiation rituals for the betrothal of Obierika's daughter.

3. What evidence is there in this chapter of a close tie between Ekwefi and Okonkwo?

What binds them together?

What social values of the tribe are illustrated by these passages?

Ten 1. Describe the ritual of the appearance of the egwugwu.

5. At the end of this chapter there is a discussion of cultural differences-"But what is good in one

2. Describe the "court system" for solving the conflict between Odukwe and Uzohulu.

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Do you think it is effective? Explain.

Eleven 1. Review the tale of the greedy Tortoise who falls from the sky. How is the story is a parable connected to the events of the novel?

2. Chapter 13 is a mirror to Chapter 12, for its focus is on a funeral ritual rather than a marriage ritual. Describe the funeral ceremony.

How is it like and different from the betrothal ceremony?

3. Ezeudu, the old man who dies, has already played an important role in Okonkwo's life. What advice did the older man give the young one? 2. Why does Chielo "kidnap" Ezinma and what does she do with her? Can you see a meaning or purpose in this ritual?

3. What do Ekwefi and Okonkwo each do to show their concern?

4. The tragedy that comes inadvertently to Okonkwo is connected to Ezeudu. How do you think Achebe intends us to interpret this connection? Is it mere coincidence? Is it the irony of fate?

What effect do the events of the night have on their relationship? Is there some cause and effect relationship? What new information is revealed about their relationship at the end of the chapter?

Twelve/Thirteen 1. Review the steps in the ritual celebrating Obierika's daughter's uri--a part of the betrothal ceremonies. What do the behaviors reveal about the social values of the tribe?

4. Why is it shameful to be forced into exile in the motherland?

5. After the "cleansing ceremony" Obierika expresses his reservations about the laws of the tribe-the killing of twins, the punishment for an unintentional killing. He says, "The Earth had decreed that they [twins] were an offense on the land and must be destroyed. And if the clan did not

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exact punishment for an offense against the great goddess, her wrath was loosed on all the land and not just on the offender. As the elders said, if one finger brought oil it soiled the others." Why is this kind of belief system important for a tribal society?

3. Distinguish between a female crime and a male crime. Fifteen 1. What tragedy has the white man brought to the Abame tribe?

Why does this tragedy occur? What are the positive and negative results of the laws that maintain tribal unity? Is either side to blame? Support your opinion.

What are Uchendu's and Okonkwo's responses to the story of Abame?

Does Western society share any of the traits of tribal society?

How do their responses characterize them? How does the story of Mother Kite explain the tragedy?

Part Two Fourteen 1. What evidence is there that Okonkwo's life can be happy and productive in exile?

2. What evils does Obierika associate with the white man?

What is lost because of the exile?

What is his attitude toward cultural differences?

2. Uchendu teaches Okonkwo a lesson on the meaning of the statement, "Mother is Supreme." What is his argument?

3. What act of friendship does Obierika do for Okonkwo?

What do you think motivates his kindness? Does Okonkwo accept his teaching? 4. Throughout the novel Achebe refers to the "art of conversation" among the people of

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Umuofia. How does Okonkwo's effort to thank his friend and Obierika's response illustrate that "art"? 3. What is Okonkwo's reaction to Nwoye's visiting the missionaries?

What feelings do you imagine Nwoye has as he "walked away and never returned"?

Sixteen 1. At first Christianity seems to attract only the efulefu, the empty and worthless. Why would these people respond to the new religion?

4. How does Okonkwo characterize Nwoye and the Christians?

What qualities does he possess in contrast to them? 2. What evidence of a lack of logic do the people of Mbanta see in the new religion? 3. What causes Nwoye to be attracted to the new religion? Is he one of the efulefu?

What earlier experiences set the stage for his conversion?

How does he finally explain to himself the mystery of the "Roaring Flame" giving birth to a "womanish" boy like Nwoye?

Eighteen 1. Okonkwo believes that Mbanta is a "womanly clan" because it allows Mr. Kiaga's church to prosper. Such a thing would never happen in Umuofia, he thinks. What is ironic about his misunderstanding?

Why do you think the narrator says Nwoye's mind is "callow"?

Seventeen 1. What is ironic about Uchendu's proposal that the missionaries be given land in the Evil Forest?

2. How do you react to the fact that the Christians save the twins and take in the osu?

Is Mr. Kiaga heroic? 2. What psychological reasons might account for Nneke's conversion?

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3. Why does Okonkwo grind his teeth when Mbanta decides to ostracize the Christians?

4. What evidence is there that the gods of the clan can defend themselves?

How does this discovery change the clan's behavior?

Nineteen 1. In what ways has Okonkwo prepared for his return to his fatherland?

2. What news does Obierika have about the effects of the white man's coming on Okonkwo's tribe?

Why does he conclude "we have fallen apart"?

3. What are the characteristics of clan life and of the character of these Africans that make them susceptible to the influence and dominance of the Europeans?

Twenty-One 1. What qualities of Mr. Brown make him admirable to the Africans?

In what ways do the African and Christian beliefs coincide? How does he express appreciation to Uchendu?

2. Why does Uchendu fear for the future of the clan?

Why is Mr. Brown's ministry successful?

Part Three Twenty 1. What losses must Okonkwo face upon his return to his tribe?

How has he prepared to compensate for these losses?

2. Why does Okonkwo connect the new religion and the collapse of the tribe to "womanliness”?

What childhood influence makes him especially susceptible to overreacting to this trait?

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Twenty-two 1. What makes Mr. Smith a more destructive missionary than Mr. Brown? 2. Enoch commits a great crime against the clan by unmasking the egwugwu. What is your reaction to this deed?

What does this difference suggest about the court messengers? 3. Why does Ezinma break her visit to the family of her future husband?

What effect does it have on the tribe? What is her attitude to the events in Umuofia? Do you feel their distress and their condemnation of Enoch are justified? How is it like Okonkwo's attitude?

Why does the tribe attempt to protect this ritual and belief system?

Twenty-Four 1. Okonkwo blames Egonwanne for the current situation. Do you think matters would have been different had Okonkwo been in Umuofia five years earlier? Explain.

3. Describe the conflict that results from this desecration of a tribal rite.

How do the egwugwu get revenge?

2. What had the head court messenger done earlier to cause Okonkwo to tremble with hate and become speechless when he approaches?

Twenty-Three 1. Why does Okonkwo feel "almost happy again"?

What does Okonkwo do?

2. Give examples that distinguish between the way the white District Commissioner treats the leaders of Umuofia and the way the court messengers treat them.

How is his action in keeping with his character? Is his action out of character with his tribe?

Twenty-Five

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1. What is the attitude of the leaders when the District Commissioner leads a band of armed men to arrest Okonkwo?

What accounts for this attitude?

2. When he discovers the hanging body of Okonkwo, why does the District Commissioner change instantaneously?

What do this change and the subsequent revelation that he is writing a book suggest about him?

3. The narrator's closing paragraph suggests that Okonkwo would be the subject of a "reasonable paragraph" in the Commissioner's book. Given the topic of the work you have just read, what is ironic about that statement?

What is the significance of the proposed title of the Commissioner's book?

Compare/contrast this novel to the meaning of Heart of Darkness.

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