Part Two “Historical and Cultural Context”

PART TWO Chapter 14-15 Questions 1. According to Achebe, how does Okonkwo feel about his new life? Cite at least one example of figurative language that Achebe uses to describe Okonkwo’s feelings. According to Achebe, Okonkwo feels deeply troubled and disheartened about his new life in exile. Achebe uses figurative language to describe Okonkwo's feelings, stating, "His life had been ruled by a great passion—to become one of the lords of the clan. That had been his life-spring. And he had thought that his exile would end with the seven years." This metaphor of "life-spring" conveys the intensity and centrality of Okonkwo's desire for status and power within the clan, emphasizing how his exile has shattered his hopes and aspirations 2. 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 the Abame and the whites? The point of Uchendu's story about the kite and the duckling and chick is to illustrate the dangers of arrogance and overconfidence. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of underestimating one's adversaries and the importance of humility and caution. This relates to the encounter between the Abame and the whites, as the Abame's arrogance and dismissal of the white men's warnings ultimately lead to their downfall and destruction 3. What does Obierika bring with him on his visit to Okonkwo? Why does he not want Okonkwo to thank him? Obierika brings kola nuts and palm-wine with him on his visit to Okonkwo. He does not want Okonkwo to thank him because he understands the severity of Okonkwo's situation and does not want to add to his burden by expecting gratitude for simple gestures of friendship and support 4. What disaster happens to the Abame clan? How did it happen? The disaster that happens to the Abame clan is the arrival of the white men, which leads to their massacre and destruction. The white men arrive in the village bearing gifts and goodwill, but the Abame people mistake them for a threat and kill the white man's messenger. In retaliation, the white men attack the village with superior weaponry, resulting in the devastation and annihilation of the Abame clan Chapter 16-17 Quesitons 1. What step does Nwoye take concerning the missionaries? Does this decision show strength or weakness? Why do you think Nneka converted to Christianity? Nwoye decides to convert to Christianity and join the missionaries, breaking away from his family's traditional beliefs. This decision can be interpreted in different ways depending on one's perspective. Some may see Nwoye's decision as a sign of weakness, as he is abandoning his cultural heritage and family traditions. Others may view it as a sign of strength, as Nwoye is asserting his autonomy and seeking a path that aligns more closely with his personal beliefs and values. It's possible that Nneka converted to Christianity for similar reasons, perhaps finding solace or a sense of belonging in the new religion, especially if she felt marginalized or oppressed within the traditional Igbo society 2. What is Uchendu’s reason for giving the missionaries part of the Evil Forest and what is the result? Uchendu gives the missionaries part of the Evil Forest as a gesture of goodwill and hospitality, believing that it would bring peace and reconciliation between the villagers and the newcomers. However, the result is disastrous, as the missionaries use the land to build their church and establish a foothold in the village. This leads to further conflict and division within the community, ultimately contributing to the erosion of traditional Igbo culture and the breakdown of social cohesion 3. How do you interpret Okonkwo’s thought, “Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.” Okonkwo's thought, "Living fire begets cold, impotent ash," can be interpreted as a metaphor for the decline of strength and vitality over time. Okonkwo sees himself as a powerful and influential figure in his prime, but he fears that as he grows older and weaker, he will become ineffectual and powerless, like cold and lifeless ashes left behind by a once blazing fire. This thought reflects Okonkwo's preoccupation with masculinity and his fear of losing his status and dominance 4. State one way in which the European missionaries understand Ibo culture and one way in which the Ibo misunderstand the Europeans. One way in which the European missionaries understand Ibo culture is their recognition of the importance of community and social hierarchy. They leverage these aspects of Igbo society to gain influence and convert the villagers to Christianity. However, the Ibo misunderstand the Europeans' intentions and beliefs, viewing them as mere curiosities or threats rather than understanding the deeper religious and cultural motivations behind their actions Chapter 18-19 Questions 1. What role did outcasts play in bringing Christianity to Iboland? Why is this important? Outcasts played a significant role in bringing Christianity to Iboland because they were more receptive to the missionaries' message due to their marginalization and social exclusion within traditional Igbo society. The missionaries targeted outcasts as potential converts because they were often more open to new ideas and less bound by the constraints of traditional customs and beliefs. This is important because it allowed Christianity to gain a foothold in Iboland and spread among the marginalized members of society, gradually influencing and challenging the existing cultural and religious practices 2. On two occasions, converts actively threaten the religious traditions in Mbanta. What are the occasions? The two occasions where converts actively threaten the religious traditions in Mbanta are when Enoch, a zealous convert, unmasks an Egwugwu during the annual ceremony, and when the Christians burn down the village's sacred ancestral shrine and kill the sacred python, which is a symbol of the clan's deity 3. What unfortunate event happens to the Christians during the week before Easter? The unfortunate event that happens to the Christians during the week before Easter is the killing of their leaders by the clan's leaders in retaliation for desecrating the village's ancestral shrine and killing the sacred python. This leads to further conflict and tension between the converts and the rest of the clan 4. Why is there no punishment in Ibo law for killing a python? Why could the clan not kill the converts? There is no punishment in Ibo law for killing a python because the python is considered a sacred animal and a symbol of the clan's deity. Killing a python is viewed as a sacrilegious act that brings grave consequences upon the perpetrator. The clan cannot kill the converts because they are protected by the missionaries and the colonial authorities, who intervene on their behalf and prevent the clan from taking action against them. This highlights the clash between traditional Igbo customs and the influence of Western religion and colonialism in Iboland