Things Fall Apart Study Guide. Answer the questions in complete sentences on your own paper. Due on the scheduled dates.

Ch. 1- 3

Part One

1. Achebe tells us, “Among the Ibo… proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.” This statement is a proverb. How do you interpret it? Proverbs are a stylistic element in this novel. Have you seen others? How do they contribute to the content/meaning of the novel?

2. Unoka is described as a cowardly man who does not pay his debts. Why do you think such a man is tolerated by the clan?

3. In Chapter 1, Achebe describes the harmattan. Again, his diction stands out. How effective is his use of such words?

4. Do you think that Umuofia’s claim against Mbaino and the terms of punishment are just? Why or why not?

5. Who would get along better in present-day America—Okonkwo or Unoka? Why?

6. Okonkwo’s first year as a farmer was difficult. How was the difficulty related to Okonkwo’s family history and how was it related to nature? What does Okonkwo’s work ethic tell you about the character?

Ch. 4-6

7. In a sentence or two, explain the concept of chi. What is the meaning of the proverb, “When a man says yes his chi says yes also.”

8. When Okonkwo breaks the Week of Peace, people compare him to the nza bird who forgot himself after a heavy meal and challenged his chi. What do they mean by this metaphor?

9. Okonkwo’s feelings about the festival are complex. In your opinion, why does the thought of the upcoming festival sometimes please him and sometimes make him unhappy (use examples from the text as support)?

10. When Obiageli broke the pot, how did you expect Okonkwo would react? How did he react? How do you account for any difference between what you expected and Okonkwo’s actual reaction?

11. Okonkwo is mentioned only once in Chapter 6, when he stands up briefly at the sight of a clever wrestling move. What do you imagine are Okonkwo’s feelings as he watches the wrestling and the victory celebrations?

Ch. 7-8

12. In your opinion, did Ikemefuna know what was going to happen to him? Give evidence for your opinion.

13. How does Okonkwo feel about what happened to Ikemefuna? How does Nwoye feel about it? Give evidence for each of your conclusions.

14. What effect do you think Ikemefuna’s situation will have on the relationship between Nwoye and his father Okonkwo? Why?

15. Why do you think Achebe included the long scene in which Okonkwo visits his friend Obierika? What do you learn about the Ibo culture in this scene? What character development takes place?

16. At the end of the discussion among Okonkwo and his friends, what major historical event is foreshadowed?

Ch. 9-11

17. Based on Chapters 9-10 and preceding chapters, how effective do you feel Ibo medicine and law are? Support your answer with reasons. What do you think is Achebe’s attitude (tone) toward Tho medicine and law?

18. Where is Okonkwo during the ceremony in Chapter 10? What clues in the text give you the answer?

19. What is revealed about Okonkwo in his relationship with Ezinma? Thus, how does Achebe use this minor character?

20. The chief judge, Evil Forest, says, “Our duty is not to blame this man or praise that, but settle the dispute.” Is this goal achieved?

21. Achebe devotes several pages to Ekwefi’s folktale. How does this affect his style? Why do you think he chose to include the tale?

22. What did the journey to the Oracle show you about Ekwefi’s character? About Okonkwo’s character?

Ch. 12-1 3

23. According to the narrative, violent deaths are frequent in Umuofia. Why, then, does the accident at the funeral cause unprecedented confusion? Does Umuofia’s laws have a way of dealing with the event?

24. Why does Achebe choose to end Part One as he does?

Part Two

Ch. 14-19

25. What does Uchendu mean when he says, “There is no story that is not true”?

26. Uchendu tells a story about a kite who takes a duckling and a chick. What is the point of the story? How does it relate to the encounter between Abame and the whites?

27. Reread Uchendu’s speech to Okonkwo at the end of Ch. 14. In your own words, what is the essence of Uchendu’s meaning?

28. What attracts Nwoye to the new religion? Do you think Nwoye’s religious decision shows strength or weakness? Why?

29. One of Okonkwo’s nicknames is Roaring Flame. What do you think this metaphorical name contributes to the development of this man’s character? How do you interpret Okonkwo’s thought that “Living fire begets (causes) cold, impotent ash”?

30. In the conflict between the missionaries and the clan, which side do you think Achebe takes, if any? Give evidence for your opinion.

Ch. 20-22

31. According to Obierika, the clan could easily drive out two white men? Why, then, does he feel the clan is falling apart?

32. How does Okeke, Mr. Smith’s interpreter, show wisdom in dealing with the leaders of Umuofia? What is the cause/source of his wisdom?

33. Okonkwo thinks that the clan is like a lizard: if it loses its tail, another one grows in its place. What does he mean by this simile? Is he right? Why or why not?

34. The proverb “As a man dances, so the drums are beaten for him” has particular meaning. To what does it refer?

Ch. 23-25

35. Why do you think the guards and messengers treat the men of Umuofia so badly?

36. What kind of person is the District Commissioner? Describe him in 2-3 sentences.

37. In the last paragraph, the point of view shifts although the narrative is still third person. Whose point of view is shown in this paragraph? Why do you think Achebe makes this shift? What tone does Achebe adopt in this paragraph?

The Novel as a Whole

38. What is the central theme of the novel? Through which characters does Achebe reveal this theme?

39. A tragedy can be defined as a work depicting serious, important events, in which the main character comes to an unhappy end. The tragic hero is usually high-ranking, dignified, and courageous. The character’s downfall may be caused by a tragic flaw, or the downfall may be caused by events beyond the character’s control. The tragic hero usually gains some self-knowledge or wisdom in spite of defeat. Is Things Fall Apart a tragedy? Which traits of a tragic hero does Okonkwo have? Which, if any, does he lack? Are other characters considered tragic heroes/heroines? If so, who?

40. Achebe writes, “Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and weakness.” What conflict dominates this man’s life? How does this conflict lead him to commit cruel actions that are disastrous for him and his clan? What other conflict surrounds this character?

41. The narrative in Things Fall Apart is characterized by frequent shifts in time and shifts in viewpoint. What is the overall effect of the shifting narrative? Is the end result a unified novel, or does the narrative contribute to the theme of “things falling apart”?