Part One “Historical and Cultural Context”

PART ONE Chapters 1-2 Questions 1. What accomplishments have helped to make Okonkwo a great man of the village? Okonkwo's accomplishments that have helped make him a great man of the village include his prowess in wrestling and war, his success as a yam farmer, his wealth, and his reputation for being a strong and fearless warrior and leader within his clan 2. Compare and contrast Okonkwo with his father, Unoka. Why do you think Okonkwo feels as he does toward his father? Okonkwo contrasts sharply with his father, Unoka, who is considered a failure by Igbo standards. Unoka is lazy, poor, and lacks ambition, while Okonkwo is hardworking, ambitious, and determined to achieve success and status. Okonkwo feels disdain toward his father because he sees him as weak and effeminate, traits that Okonkwo fears and despises 3. Okonkwo is a wealthy man and a noble. What are the signs of his wealth? Signs of Okonkwo's wealth include his large compound with multiple huts, his extensive yam barns, and the number of wives and children he has. Additionally, he possesses titles and accolades within the community, indicating his social status and influence 4. How doe the men of Umofia decide what to do about the murder of a woman from their clan? What role do the women of Umofia have in the decision? The men of Umofia decide what to do about the murder of a woman from their clan through a gathering of the clan's leaders, who discuss the situation and decide on an appropriate course of action, usually involving compensation or retaliation. The women of Umofia generally have little direct involvement in the decision-making process, as it is considered a male-dominated affair in Igbo society 5. According to Achebe, what emotion dominates Okonkwo’s life? What is the source of this emotion? According to Achebe, the dominant emotion in Okonkwo's life is fear. This fear stems from his desire to avoid becoming like his father, Unoka, whom he views as weak and unsuccessful. Okonkwo's fear of failure and weakness drives him to strive for success and dominance in all aspects of his life 6. Achebe tells us, “Among the Ibo . . . proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.” This statement itself is a proverb. How do you interpret it? The proverb "Among the Ibo . . . proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten" suggests that proverbs are an essential part of communication and cultural expression among the Igbo people. Just as palm oil is a staple in Igbo cuisine and enhances the flavor of food, proverbs enrich and give depth to language, providing wisdom, guidance, and insight into social norms and values. It implies that proverbs are not just words but carry significant meaning and are integral to understanding and conveying Igbo culture and tradition Chapters 3-4 Questions 1. Why does Unoka consult the Oracle? What does the Oracle tell him? Unoka consults the Oracle to seek guidance and blessing for his crops and to understand why he has been unsuccessful in his farming endeavors. The Oracle tells him that his laziness and lack of responsibility are the reasons for his failure 2. What is the Week of Peace? What does Okonkwo do to break it and what action does the clan take? The Week of Peace is a sacred time in Igbo culture dedicated to honoring the earth goddess, Ani. During this week, violence and conflict are strictly prohibited. Okonkwo breaks the Week of Peace by beating his wife, which is considered a grave offense against the earth goddess. As punishment, the clan demands that Okonkwo make a sacrifice to atone for his actions 3. Who is Nwoye and how does Okonkwo treat him? Describe the relationship between Nwoye and Ikemefuna. Nwoye is Okonkwo's eldest son, whom Okonkwo views as weak and effeminate, much like his own father, Unoka. Okonkwo treats Nwoye harshly and expects him to embody traditional masculine traits. The relationship between Nwoye and Ikemefuna, a boy from another village who is taken in by Okonkwo's family, is initially positive, with Ikemefuna serving as a mentor and older brother figure to Nwoye. However, the relationship sours after Ikemefuna's tragic fate, which deeply affects Nwoye 4. Okonkwo’s first year as a farmer is difficult. How is the difficulty due to Okonkwo’s family history and how was it due to nature? The difficulty Okonkwo faces in his first year as a farmer is due to both his family history and nature. Okonkwo's father, Unoka, was known for his laziness and inability to provide for his family, which casts a shadow over Okonkwo's reputation and contributes to his struggles to establish himself as a successful farmer. Additionally, adverse weather conditions, such as drought and excessive rain, further exacerbate Okonkwo's challenges in cultivating his crops 5. 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?” What does Okonkwo means when he says he challenged his chi? Chi is an individual's personal god or destiny in Igbo belief, representing their personal spirit or fate. The proverb "When a man says yes his chi says yes also" implies that an individual's actions and decisions are influenced by their chi, suggesting a connection between one's personal will and destiny. When Okonkwo says he challenged his chi, he means that he defied or opposed his fate by striving for success through sheer force of will and determination, often in opposition to the expectations set by his chi Chapters 5-6 Questions 1. When is the Festival of the New Yam held? Explain Okonkwo’s reaction to the festival? The Festival of the New Yam is held at the beginning of the harvest season, typically in the month of August. Okonkwo reacts to the festival with great enthusiasm and pride, as it is a time for celebrating the successful harvest and showcasing one's wealth and prosperity. However, Okonkwo also feels a sense of urgency and pressure to prove himself as a successful and respected member of the community 2. What causes Okonkwo to shoot at Ekwefi? What does this say about Okonkwo? Okonkwo shoots at Ekwefi during the annual wrestling match out of frustration and anger. Ekwefi inadvertently interrupts Okonkwo's conversation with his friend, causing him to lose focus and become momentarily unhinged. This incident reveals Okonkwo's volatile temper and his tendency to resort to violence when he feels disrespected or undermined 3. What is an ilo? How is it used during the Festival? An ilo is a special area within the village designated for communal gatherings and ceremonies. During the Festival of the New Yam, the ilo serves as the central location for the festivities, including feasting, dancing, and various rituals to honor the earth goddess, Ani, and give thanks for the bountiful harvest 4. How do the Ibo treat the winner of the final wresting match? Why are the winners so revered? The Ibo treat the winner of the final wrestling match with great reverence and admiration. The winner is celebrated as a hero and receives praise, admiration, and gifts from the community. Winners of the wrestling matches are revered because wrestling is considered a demonstration of strength, skill, and bravery, qualities highly esteemed in Igbo society 5. When Obiageli broke the pot, how did Okonkwo react and how did you expect him to react? How do you account for any discrepancies? When Obiageli broke the pot, Okonkwo reacted with anger and scolded her harshly. He chastised her for her carelessness and lack of responsibility, showing his rigid and authoritarian parenting style. One might expect Okonkwo to react sternly given his strict demeanor, but some might also expect him to show a bit more understanding or leniency towards a child's mistake. The discrepancy in expectations could stem from differing cultural norms and parenting styles, as well as individual interpretations of Okonkwo's character and temperament Chapter 7-8 Questions 1. How long has Ikemefuna been with the family? Who decides his fate? What does Ezeudu tell Okonkwo about this decision? Ikemefuna has been with Okonkwo's family for three years. His fate is decided by the elders of the village, including Ezeudu, who delivers the message to Okonkwo. Ezeudu tells Okonkwo that he must not take part in the decision regarding Ikemefuna's fate 2. In your opinion, did Ikemefuna know what was about to happen? What do Okonkwo’s actions reveal about him? It's uncertain whether Ikemefuna fully understood what was about to happen to him. However, Okonkwo's actions reveal his ruthless determination to appear strong and unyielding in front of others, even at the expense of betraying his own emotions and relationships. Okonkwo's decision to participate in Ikemefuna's death despite his affection for the boy underscores his adherence to the strict norms of masculinity and warrior ethos in Igbo society 3. How does Okonkwo feel about his daughter Ezinma? Why? Okonkwo harbors a deep affection for his daughter Ezinma, viewing her as his favorite child. He admires her resilience, intelligence, and spirit, qualities that he perceives as masculine and desirable. Okonkwo's fondness for Ezinma also stems from her resemblance to himself, both physically and temperamentally, which contributes to his sense of pride and connection with her 4. Describe the scene between Okonkwo and Obierika. List two things you learn about Ibo culture from this scene and two things about the characters. In the scene between Okonkwo and Obierika, two aspects of Ibo culture are highlighted: the importance of kinship and social ties, as well as the significance of rituals and traditions. Additionally, the characters of Okonkwo and Obierika are further developed. Okonkwo's stubborn adherence to traditional values and his pride in his status as a warrior are evident, while Obierika demonstrates a more pragmatic and thoughtful approach to life, questioning certain customs and reflecting on their consequences 5. Analyze Okonkwo’s idea of masculinity? Do you think Okonkwo’s ideas of masculinity are typical of Ibo society, or are they extreme? Okonkwo's idea of masculinity is heavily influenced by the traditional gender roles and societal expectations in Ibo society, which emphasize strength, courage, and dominance. His belief in the supremacy of masculine traits leads him to suppress any signs of weakness or vulnerability, both in himself and in others. Okonkwo's extreme adherence to these ideals, including his tendency towards violence and his harsh treatment of those who do not meet his standards, can be considered typical of some aspects of Ibo society, particularly among certain segments of the population. However, Okonkwo's rigid and uncompromising interpretation of masculinity is arguably more extreme than that of many others in his community 6. At the end of the discussion among Okonkwo and his friends, what major historical event is foreshadowed? What peculiar belief about white people is expressed? At the end of the discussion among Okonkwo and his friends, the major historical event foreshadowed is the arrival of the white colonialists in Igbo land. One peculiar belief about white people expressed is the idea that they possess magical powers and are invincible, reflecting the ignorance and superstitions prevalent among the Igbo people regarding the Europeans Chapter 9-10 Questions 1. Why does Ekwefi have a bitter attitude about life? Describe her relationship with Ezinma. What does Okonkwo do to help Ezinma? Ekwefi has a bitter attitude about life due to the hardships she has endured, including the loss of many children. Her relationship with Ezinma, her only surviving child, is characterized by deep love and protectiveness. Ekwefi dotes on Ezinma and is fiercely devoted to her well-being. Okonkwo helps Ezinma by providing her with medical treatment and attention when she falls ill, demonstrating his concern for her and his willingness to defy traditional gender roles to ensure her health and happiness 2. An ogbanje is a changeling, a child who repeatedly dies and returns. How can humans defeat an obanje’s wickedness? What do these beliefs reveal about Ibo society? According to Igbo beliefs, humans can defeat an ogbanje's wickedness by discovering its hidden object, typically a pebble or some other small item, which serves as a link between the ogbanje and the spirit world. Once the object is found and destroyed, the ogbanje's influence is broken, and the child can live a normal life. These beliefs reveal the deep-seated superstitions and spiritual practices prevalent in Igbo society, as well as the community's efforts to rationalize and combat phenomena they cannot easily explain 3. Who are the judges in the legal case in Chapter 10, and how do they behave? Do you feel the judges decision is fair? The judges in the legal case in Chapter 10 are the egwugwu, masked spirits representing the ancestral spirits of the clan. They behave with authority and solemnity, listening to the arguments presented by both sides before delivering their verdict. The judges' decision to award compensation to the wife of the man beaten by Okonkwo's daughter may be perceived as fair within the context of Igbo customary law, which emphasizes restitution and reconciliation rather than punitive measures 4. In your opinion, do the people of Umuofia know what is behind the egwugwu masks or not? Find textual evidence to support your answer? The people of Umuofia may or may not know what is behind the egwugwu masks. There is textual evidence to support both interpretations. On one hand, in Chapter 10, when the egwugwu are summoned to resolve the legal case, the villagers show reverence and fear towards them, suggesting they may believe in the supernatural nature of the spirits. However, there are also hints that some villagers, particularly the children, may be aware of the human identities behind the masks. For example, when the children mock the egwugwu, it implies they see through the disguise and recognize the individuals underneath. Therefore, the belief in the mystical power of the egwugwu masks may vary among the people of Umuofia, with some accepting the illusion and others seeing through it Chapter 11 Questions 1. Achebe devotes several pages to Ekwefi’s folktale. Why do you think he chose to include the tale? Achebe likely chose to include Ekwefi's folktale for several reasons. First, it adds depth to the narrative by providing insight into Ekwefi's character and background. The folktale reveals Ekwefi's resilience and resourcefulness, as well as her determination to overcome adversity, themes that resonate throughout the novel. Additionally, the folktale serves to enrich the cultural context of the story, showcasing the oral tradition and folklore of the Igbo people. It also highlights the importance of storytelling as a means of passing down knowledge, values, and traditions from one generation to the next 2. Chielo, the priestess, interrupts the story-telling. What announcement does she make? Where does she take Ezinma? Why do you think the Oracle called for Ezinma? Chielo, the priestess of Agbala, interrupts the story-telling to announce that the Oracle has called for Ezinma. She takes Ezinma to the cave of the Oracle, which is considered a sacred and mystical place where the spirits communicate with the living. The Oracle's call for Ezinma suggests that she has a special spiritual connection or destiny that requires her presence at the shrine. It is likely that the Oracle called for Ezinma to receive guidance or to fulfill a specific role in the community 3. How does Okonkwo react when the priestess first makes her announcement? What actions does he take later and what do they show about his character? When the priestess first makes her announcement, Okonkwo reacts with anger and frustration, demanding to know why she has come for Ezinma. However, later, Okonkwo takes action by following Chielo and Ezinma to the cave of the Oracle, demonstrating his concern for Ezinma's safety and his willingness to defy social norms and authority figures when it comes to protecting his family. This shows that despite his stern and rigid exterior, Okonkwo cares deeply for his loved ones and is capable of showing compassion and vulnerability Chapter 12-13 Questions 1. What does the priestess do with Ezinma after emerging from the cave? After emerging from the cave, the priestess Chielo carries Ezinma on her back and takes her to various shrines and places within the village while performing rituals. This procession is part of the Oracle's instructions, and it is believed to have a spiritual significance 2. What joyous ceremony takes place the day after the return from the cave? While preparing for ceremony, what do the men of Umuofia discuss at the market and what does this discussion show about them? The joyous ceremony that takes place the day after the return from the cave is the wedding ceremony of Ezeudu's daughter. While preparing for the ceremony, the men of Umuofia discuss the impending arrival of the locusts and the significance of their timing. This discussion shows that the men are observant of natural phenomena and understand the importance of agricultural cycles to their livelihoods and well-being 3. What sorrowful news does the drum announce? The sorrowful news announced by the drum is the death of Ezeudu, the oldest man in the village and one of the most respected leaders. His death is significant and is followed by a large and elaborate funeral ceremony 4. What terrible accident occurs at the funeral and what happens to Okonkwo’s family as a result? At the funeral, a terrible accident occurs when Okonkwo's gun explodes and kills Ezeudu's son. As a result, Okonkwo and his family are exiled from the village for seven years as punishment for committing the inadvertent crime of killing a clansman 5. In your opinion, why did Achebe choose to end Part One the way he did? What aspects of the funeral ceremony make it possible for dangerous accidents to occur? How is this accident related to the infiltration of Western technology into a traditional culture? Achebe may have chosen to end Part One the way he did to highlight the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. The funeral ceremony serves as a pivotal moment in the novel, marking the transition from one stage of life to another and foreshadowing the upheaval and tragedy that will unfold in the subsequent parts. The funeral ceremony, with its large gathering of people and numerous rituals involving fire and weapons, creates an environment where accidents can easily occur. This accident involving Okonkwo's gun exploding underscores the dangers inherent in the clash between traditional customs and the introduction of Western technology. Okonkwo's possession of a gun, a symbol of Western influence, leads to a tragic outcome that disrupts the traditional fabric of Igbo society and sets the stage for further conflicts and tensions