Things Fall Apart Questions

Things Fall Apart Questions and Answers

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

1. Explain the importance of:
a) Market place. The market place is the place where people are informed on the current
matters on the current matters of importance. In chapter 2, the people from all the clans
congregated in the village market place, where it was announced the murder of Ezuego.
The market place is also a symbol of the unity of the usual Igbo culture.
b) The Oracle. The Oracle decides if the clans should go to war if they are in disputes and
advise the people on certain matters.
c) Village elders. They share their wisdom and experience with the younger villagers so that
they may learn from their mistakes. They also preside at important events in the village,
for e.g. wrestling matches.

2. How does Okonkwo over-compensate for the weaknesses he sees in his father?
Okonkwo overcompensates for his father’s weaknesses by becoming as masculine as possible. This
is because he is afraid of becoming like his father. He hides his fear with excessive aggression,
violence and extreme hard work. He does this by becoming the most feared warrior in his village and
pretending to be emotionless. He beats his wife even during the week of peace and even disregards
his own son because he realizes that his son will not make him even more dignified in his
community. He wanted to be what he thought the villagers wanted to be.

3. What is your understanding of the chi in the novel?
The chi is a personal god that determines whether the individual has good fortune or bad fortune. A
few proverbs in the novel speak about the chi such as in Chapter 14, which says: “A man cannot rise
beyond the destiny of his chi.” Okonkwo has worked extremely hard to be the direct opposite of his
father and achieves this on which he believes is a result of his own dedication. However when
Nwoye is found to be a part of the church, Okonkwo denies any responsibility and wonders if his chi
is truly destined for greatness. In the narration, it questions the credibility of the proverb: “…if a man
said yea his chi said yea also affirmed.” This is a foreshadow of the changes in the views of the
culture by the villagers.

4. What is the importance of yams within the culture?
Yams are only grown by men. Growing yams is what tells other about how much the man grows and
what believes about work. Growing yams is a symbol of masculinity because it is a job that requires
a lot of physical power. The size of the man’s filed and how much yams he harvests says how much
of a hard work he is. Yams are also what is used to feed his family. This is why yams are even more
important to Okonkwo. He wants to be the opposite of his father, Unoka, who was unable to provide
for his own family.

5. How do you see Ikemefuna becoming an important part of Okonkwo’s household?
He is taken care of by Okonkwo and his family and Ikemefuna developed a close bond with
Okonkwo’s first wife, Nwoye and even Okonkwo. Even though Ikemefuna was only present in
Chapters 7 and 8, Ikemefuna played an important role in showing how balance can be achieved in
life. Ikemefuna enjoyed bird hunting and playing the flute but also taught Nwoye how to be more
masculine. He is an example of how masculinity does not have to be stressed in order to gain
acceptance from others.

6. a) What is the significance of the Feast of the New Yam?

2. The feast of the new yam signifies a new start in the year. The feast takes place just before the
harvest of new yams. This event is kept to celebrate the earth god, Ani, goddess of fertility. Ani was
also the judge of mortality and conduct. The New Year meant that villagers were in a festive mood
and were given a new attitude, at least during the time of the feast.

b. What preparations are made for it?
In the preparation of the Festival of the New Yams, all old yams from the past year have to be thrown
away, and the utensils used to prepare yam dishes must also be washed. The children are also
decorated before the feast.
7. How does Okonkwo violation of the Week of Peace prepare the reader for his ultimate demise?
Okonkwo's need to express anger through violence is a serious fault in his character. He is later
punished for disturbing the Week of Peace. His stubbornness and irrational behavior clearly start to
bring him apart from the rest of his village.
8. Describe and explain Okonkwo’s reaction to Ikemefuna’s death
Okonkwo is troubled by Ikemefuna’s death and stayed in his obi with any food for two days.
Although he is determined not to show any emotion, even the thought of Ikemefuna’s death made
him shiver. He started to work out of the purpose not to be in any way like his father, weak and lazy.
He also began yearning that Ezinma could fill that space in his life that Ikemefuna did when he was
alive. As soon Okonkwo knew that he was distressed he thought to himself that he had become a
woman and uses work as a form of comfort to stop thinking about Ikemefuna. He subdues his
emotions and because he refused to seek comfort from anyone else, he is impatient with others when
he is no longer able to control them. This is also what caused his ultimate demise.
9. “A chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the day it hatches.”Expalin the meaning of this
proverb and a list of five other proverbs that are found throughout the text, explain each.
This proverb means that one who is destined for greatness can be recognized at an early stage. This
pertains to Okonkwo because he gains success as a young man when his peers had been given barns
by their fathers. He was destined for greatness as he displayed courage, determination and worked
hard for his achievements. Five other proverbs from the novel are:
 “The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree would praise himself is no one else did’
means that knowing that what you accomplished is a great thing you should acknowledge it
to yourself even if others don't recognize it as such. This proverb also talks about Okonkwo.
His fortunes are made because he is a sel-made person and is not brought through luck.
Okonkwo knows that he has worked hard for achieving great things and praises himself
because of his determination.
 “A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.” somebody who
respects those who are better than him will allow himself to be advanced in life by gaining
their respect.
 “Looking at a king’s mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother’s breast.” This
means that a father can see the strength of his child from birth.
 “Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to
be humble.” This proverb means that a man whose success is a result of luck and by the
power of the gods must not forget how he obtained his success. However, Okonkwo "cracked

3. them himself," because he defeated poverty not because of luck, but because his hard work
and determination.
 “Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.” Okonkwo is often called the "roaring flame". In the
Igbo culture, fire represents masculinity and strength, which Okonkwo symbolizes.
However, Nwoye is seen as effeminate and weak and seen as the failure that his father,
Unoka was. Rather than like a “fire” like Okonkwo, Nwoye is compared to ash that is of no
value.
13. (a.) Who are the egwugwu and what is their role within the culture?

The egwugwu are a respected group of men of the village who dress up as and represent the ancestral
spirits. During special ceremonies, they judge disputes among the people of the villages. They also
settle on the decisions of how problems within the village are to be solved. In western culture, this
egwugwu would be compared to a jury of men. The egwugwu often scare villagers with the frightful-
looking masks they wear. This also pertains to the belief that fear instills respect in the Igbo culture.

(b. ) Compare and contrast the system of justice which is administered by the egwugwu versus that if
the District Commissioner.

The justice system of the Igbo culture is having the egwugwu, the spirits of the ancestors. Disputes
that need the council of the wise are taken to a tribal “court” made up of egwugwu of nine men, one
from each village. The court tries to have justice and agreement as rather to have payback for
wrongdoings. On the other hand the district commissioner administers justice by taking revenge for
their wrongdoings rather than having peace. The district commissioner does this by demanding the
community pay money. Money is more important than services or sacrifices that are normally given
in the Igbo culture for retribution, especially mistakes made against the gods.

14. Examine the treatment of Chielo versus the treatment of the ordinary Igbo woman.

Chielo is a priestess of Agbala and has the full power of her god. Unlike other women whose roles
are mainly to cook for the men and clean around the house and take care of the children, Chielo is
greatly feared by the villagers. This means that a woman has power in the male-dominated Igbo
society, at least in religion. She is probably looked on as an important because she is the person who
delivers the prophesies of their gods. She is also line of communication between the people and their
gods who are very important to them. In chapter 11, even Okonkwo who pretends to disregard
women, is careful to show respect to Chielo when she takes Ezinma away. This shows that a woman
can be given authority in the Igbo society.
15. What does Okonkwo’s actions say when Chielo takes Ezinma?
Okonkwo followed Ekwefi to the priestess’ cave when Chielo takes Ezinma there. He returns to the
cave very worried for Ezinma who is very important because she is his favorite child. Even though
his resistances to any emotion besides anger he displays a loving and caring side of his self-made
personality. He does not show directly but is shown when he decides to sit and wait with Ekwefi until
Ezinma is returned home.

16. Contrast the behavior of Ekwefi when Ezinma is taken with Okonkwo’s behavior when
Ikemefuna goes on his final journey.

4. Unlike Okonkwo, Ekwefi chose her daughter over her gods in following Chielo through the bushes
even when she was warned by Chielo, a powerful woman, not to do so. By doing this, Ekwefi shows
that women are just as strong and brave as men and not as weak as is thought to be in the Igbo
society. On the journey to the place where he is killed, Okonkwo had become just as anxious as
Ekwefi during Ezinma’s absence. Okonkwo cares deeply for Ikemefuna but however does not act
against the decision made to kill Ikemefuna. This shows that Okonkwo is not as strong as he
believes.
17. a)What does the description of Obierika’s daughter’s uri reveal about the Igbo culture?
The uri shows the strength of the bonds of Umuofia's community. People give generously on both
sides of the family. It involves the whole community and everyone partakes in the happiness of the
celebration. The villagers contribute food to the celebration and Obierika buys a goat to show to his
future in-laws. The suitor's family members also bring many pots of palm wine and the clan not
longer doubt out their generosity. The women greet the visitors and the men also exchange greetings.
This shows that the people are in close contact with each other and are at peace with one other as a
community.

b. What does the incident of the escape tells us about the community?

The incident of the cow been released was resolved quickly and did not greatly disturb the uri. This
shows that the Igbo society is not as primitive and aggressive as people of the Western culture
believe. It is rather a peaceful and traditional society that is able to resolve its own problems. This
resolved with fairness and reasoning since the owner of the cow paid a fine and the uri continued
peacefully.

18. Why do you think communities such as this believe in Oracles, talisman and medicine men?

The Igbo people fear what they do not understand like medicine. This is the reason why oracles and
medicine men are called to solve certain disputes. The people are afraid that they might upset the
gods and be punished and so they seek the guidance of persons who thought to be in closer contact
with the gods. The fear has also kept many wars from occurring between Umuofia and other clans.
The other clans do not understand why Umuofia has won the all the wars and believe that their magic
is strong causing Umuofia to be the most feared village.

19. What type of relationship seems to exist between the living and their ancestors within the
culture?
The living respects their ancestors in the Igbo culture out of fear. They respect their ancestors as they
believe that they are a form of protection. This is why elders are respected as they are very close to
being joined with the ancestors.
20. How does the author use Obierika and Nwoye to show us that the culture is not entirely perfect?
Obierika and Nwoye thoughts in the novel express that of mystery and deep reasoning. They often
mediate as to why the Igbo customs are strict and the true reason for causing emotional pain to other
when adhering to the laws. This shows the fault that the Igbo people are adhere to the laws too
strictly.
21. a. How is Okonkwo received in the land of his mother’s kinsmen?
Okonkwo is kindly received in his mother's village of Mbanta, where members of his family help
him to put up his own small compound of huts and lend him some seeds so that he may plant his own

5. crops. Although he is bitterly saddened at his misfortune, Okonkwo settles himself to life in his
motherland.

b. What qualities does the clan demonstrate?
The clan represents the loyalty towards each other in the community. Even though Okonkwo stayed
and fought in Umuofia his people of his motherland always accepted him even he was displeased in
being sent there.

22. How does Okonkwo’s exile affect him?

Since he left the village of Mbanta, he has become more exposed to the more intense influences of
the white men. Okonkwo's faith in the power of hard work is taken aback. Even work cannot console
him in this disaster. Okonkwo is close to achieving the greatest success of holding all the titles in the
land but however is being forced to start all over again in another clan. Upon his return he is
disappointed with the lack of confrontation to the white men. The church had brought a church into
Umuofia and had also brought changes. Okonkwo was not pleased in staying in his motherland as he
thought that it was weak and pathetic for not fighting the white men who were forcing the separation
of their community. However, upon returning to Umuofia, he was disappointed seeing that they had
fallen in the same trap and he realized that Umuofia, a land known for being a warrior-like and
fearless clan, were no different than Mbanta in their weakness.
23. What purposes are served by Uchendu’s lecture to Okonkwo about his behavior?

He speaks about Okonkwo´s bad attitude and despair. He says to Okonkwo that a man will reside in
his fatherland when there are no problems, but he will always set off to his motherland for protection.
Uchendu tells Okonkwo that he must stop complaining about his situation, that he should be thankful
to his motherland for helping him and that he must work hard during his exile.
Similarly in Okonkwo’s return from exile he expresses his dejection to the white man’s changes to
the Igbo society. He should stop complaining about the white man and he should be grateful that the
white men have helped the community financially. He also says that he must continue to work hard
despite the events which have occurred.
24. How is the theme of ‘Friendship and Loyalty’ explored through the characters of Obierika and
Uchendu?

Obierika displays friendship and loyalty because he gives Okonkwo advice and shares his wisdom
with him. Obierika also helped Okonkwo starts his barns when he was a young man and trusted him
to work hard so that the yams would not fail to grow. Uchendu is also displays this as he is one who
gives Okonkwo encouragement and understanding during his exile. Okonkwo was greatly
disappointed during his exile but through Uchendu’s support, Okonwko soon adjusted to his new life
in Mbanta.

25. How does the author use Obierika throughout the novel?
 Obierika is used to counterpart Okonkwo’s hastiness and irrational behavior in certain
situations. Unlike Okonkwo, Obierika thinks deeply and carefully in making decisions.
 He is one of the characters who give Okonkwo great advice although Okonkwo oftentimes
does not follow them in order to satisfy his own selfish needs.
 Obierika always shows how situations can be handled without war and displays wisdom in
dealing with life’s challenges rationally. Unlike Okonkwo, he is not fixated to a certain mind-
set and adapted more easily to the white men’s changes to their community. He considered a

6. reimagining of what Okonkwo would be like, had he shown more wisdom in dealing with
certain situations in his life.
26. The white men begin to have an impact in the fifteenth chapter of the novel. Why has it been left
so late?

The white men came in the latter part of the novel to show how unexpected their arrival was to the
Igbo community. The villagers left them alone thinking that they would be gone with the passing of
time. However, the white men have come to stay and have weakened the ties of the community. This
also emphasizes that despite Okonkwo’s idea of forcing the white men out of the community, it was
already too late.

27.”There is no story that is not true …the world has no end, and what is good among one people is
an abomination with others.” What is the significance of this remark by uchendu in terms of our
understanding of what the novel is about?

Uchendu says, "There is no story that is not true". Uchendu is saying that all stories although they
may appear unrealistic had to come from some true event and could not have just come from
nowhere. This prepares the reader for unexpected events and the climax of the novel when the Igbo
people finally realize that the Europeans have already “taken root” in their community. After
mocking these Europeans for expressing their ideas, which they thought were ridiculous, have come
to realize that the Europeans have come to colonize and take control of a village once unified and
peaceable. Uchendu’s lesson proves that the ideas which may seem most unrealistic may foreshadow
the future.

28. The ‘iron horse’, ironically is the name that the Indians of the American West gave t the trains
that would ultimately help to destroy their way of life. How is the iron horse a symbol of all that will
destroy Igbo culture?

The village of Abame has been destroyed by white men. A white man arrived in Abame on an “iron
horse”, which is a bicycle. The village elders conferred with the oracle, which prophesied that the
white man would be with others, who would bring destruction to Abame. The villagers killed the
white man and tied his bicycle to their sacred tree to prevent it from getting away and telling the
white man’s friends. This shows that the Igbo people’s lack of understanding in regards to changes
and differences in culture made them worried and caused conflict when they behaved too quickly in
response to certain situations.

29. Why does the new religion appeal to:
(a) The efulefu?

Most of the other converts, Obierika finds, have been efulefu, men who hold no standing and who
are usually disregarded by the clan. The new religion appealed to them because they found a sense of
relief knowing that they were accepted by the church.
b. Some members of the clan?

The members of the clan, like Nwoye, had many questions about life and their customs. They seek
consolation for the problems they’ve encountered in dealing with the Igbo customs.
c. Nwoye?

7. Nwoye is instantly captivated when the missionaries begin to sing their songs. The “poetry of the
new religion” comforts him “like the drops of frozen rain melting on the dry palate” because they
seem to answer his questions about the deaths of Ikemefuna and the twin newborns. He also finds a
place where he accepted him for who he is and not what the society thinks of him. The missionaries’
hymn gives him a feeling of relief.

30. a. What effect is the use of Igbo interpreters and missionaries likely to have on the community?

The interpreter’s dialect is laughed at because he always uses Umuofia’s word for “my buttocks”
when he means “myself.” When the kotma share their Christian beliefs, the villagers do not
understand how the Holy Trinity can be one God. They also cannot see how God does not have a son
and not a wife. This shows the lack of communication and connection between the kotma and the
village. This also contributes to the lack of understanding in the Europeans’ approach of life.

b. What point is the author making by having the local people mock the attempts of the missionaries
to speak the Igbo language?
The local people laugh at the missionaries not knowing that their intentions were far beyond setting
up a new religion in their villages. The missionaries had unbroken the ties of the Igbo people by first
setting up a new religion, and instilling a new form of education that would disrupt the natural rites
of passages in the Igbo culture. Once the clans have been broken apart, the egwugwu no longer speak
for the communities as a whole and so the new government takes over their land.

31. What two significant achievements do the missionaries accomplish in Chapter 17 and how will
these developments fatally undermine Igbo culture in the future?

The Europeans first set up their own religion in the Igbo villages that captivate the villagers. It was
caused by the changes the missionaries had brought with them to Umuofia. They introduced a new
religion to replace the original one, which had held people in the village together. The old religion
has been seen as primitive and so the clan’s members have lost all respect for the Igbo culture. The
egwugwu have some members being separated from the clans and separation has caused the
egwugwu to lose their authority. The Europeans then take control of their form of government and
assume full control of the villages.

32. Is Okonkwo becoming a victim of a bad chi or has he been causing his own difficulties?

Okonkwo caused his own difficulties as his volatile behavior separates him from the villagers. He
does not accept the changes of the Europeans but the other villagers and Nwoye think differently of
them. This causes conflict as Okonkwo encourages war as a part of his personality implies he does
so, but the other Igbo people do not favour war as much as he does.
33. a Explain the significance of the following:
(i)The efulefu are worthless, weak, effeminate men who have no titles in the land and are usually
overlooked. They seek refuge in the church when the missionaries survived the evil forest. They
place a role to show that like the villagers who used to scorn them seek guidance and acceptance
from the same place in the church and shows equality which was never given in their old religion.

8. (ii) Osu.
The osu were outcasts in Igbo society. They lived on the edge of the forest and were not allowed to
cut their hair. They cannot take titles and were not allowed to marry or be among normal Igbo
persons. Many of the osu saw the new Christian church as a place for refuge and as a place to where
they are finally accepted.
(iii) Evil Forest.
The physical setting of forest is out at the edge of the villages where the osu live and are usually
ignored. The Evil Forest represents a fearful god who is like the forest, dark and very dense. The
people do not understand the mysterious forces and so leave all abominations out into the Evil Forest.
(iv) Royal python.
The Europeans bring new knowledge and information and cannot understand the Igbo people’s
understanding of the world around them. When Enoch kills and eats the python, disregarding about
Igbo's customs about the python, it symbolizes the separation from the Igbo religious values. The
royal python was the most respected animal in the clan. He is showing that he no longer respects the
Igbo religion.
(v)Twins.
The twins are, according to Igbo custom, evil and must be placed in earthenware pots and left to die
in the forest. Nwoye is traumatized when he was passing and he overheard the twins crying from the
woods. When he realized that twins actually were left in the forest to die because their religion stated
twins were bad luck for the parents. He felt somehow that their religion was cruel and when the
Christians came he began to see it from their point of view as primitive.


b. The osu soon become the most passionate members of the church. The outcasts of the Igbo society
are those who are most longing to be accepted by others. Joining the church is also a form of
rebellion against the society as the leaders of the clan soon realize that the Christians are taking
everyone, even those who the clans did not want in their society. This also shows that the Igbo
society is one that strictly adheres with its laws but this is also causes the Igbo people to separate
themselves from it.

34. In chapter 18, a third element of colonial administration is introduced. What is it and what part
of the clan’s organization does it threatened?

The Europeans soon instill their form of government. The colonial government punishes persons
according to European cultural and religious values. They do this without first making an attempt to
understand the cultural and religious tradition behind the Igbo practices, the government thinks that
the abandonment of newborn twins is a crime and is done for no reason. This forced the community
out of self-governance where strangers have come to take rule of what they thought is a primitive
community unable to support itself when it becomes dependent upon the changes brought by the
white man.

35. What is Okonkwo’s suggested course towards the new comers?

Okonkwo urges Mbanta to drive the Christians out with violence, but the rulers and elders decide to
ostracize them instead. Okonkwo bitterly says that this is a “womanly” clan. Despite seeing that
violence only creates more conflict by Abame’s experiences, Okonkwo still insists on war as he
cannot accept changes as uses violence as a solution to every problem he encounters.

9. b. Is it consistent with what we have learnt so far?

Okonkwo’s use of violence is unchanged throughout the novel. This is what causes his success such
as in wars, but also what causes his downfalls. Because of his violence, he has become distanced
from his Nwoye and causes conflict between himself and the clans.

36. Do you agree that the observation that the decrease in the bond of kinship has allowed the new
religion to prosper?

The white man came to Umuofia and brought in a religion, which is contrasting to the Igbo’s culture.
As the white men have brought in trading stores they were very much beneficial to the people. There
were many men and women in Umoufia who did not feel as strongly as Okonkwo about the new
allowance of the Europeans. Everyone is different and has not come upon a decision as a clan
anymore so has separate views about the new religion and so allowed it to take over.

37. Why do think the author makes Okonkwo’s exile coincide with the arrival of the white men and
the missionaries?

This shows how everything has changed since he left. This also shows how unexpectancy and
unpreparedness to change can devastate a person’s hopes for the future. . Okonkwo was a firm
believer of his culture and tried to resist the change that was brought in. However, he was alone and
did not have the chance to convince his clan as he has been in exile for seven years. This is why the
Europeans have taken over so easily.

38. It is said that the family is basic economic unit of this agricultural community. Explain:

The family is the basic economic unit of this agricultural community. The yams that are cultivated
come from the homes of the villagers who have farms managed by the family members. Other
ground provisions such as cassava and beans such as okra are harvested by the children. The degree
of one’s success is dependent upon the amount of barns he owns and so the crops are basic unit of the
Igbo society. Chickens are also sold to provide money for the family and the crops provide all their
needs.

39. At the end of Chapter 19 an elder suggests that the clan maybe contributing to its own collapse.
What are the signs that this is so?

The egwugwu decide to ostracize the missionaries and converts instead of taking drastic measures.
The missionaries have also gained land and have taken “root” in their community by taking away
members of the society eventually leading to its collapse. In an attempt to remain peaceful, the
egwugwu make decisions as a whole community however when the community breaks down, the
Europeans assume control over the once independent society. The villagers are now more open to
more views by Christians rather than being enclosed to the Igbo society.

40. List the changes which occur in Umuofia during Okonkwo’s exile.

 The missionaries had built a church in Umuofia.
 They have instilled a new educational system. Schools and hospitals were built giving
villagers more information about their health and teaching them t read and write.

10.  They had brought a new form of government. They had also built a court and have forced the
villagers into submission. The changes that also occurred were the people’s views of the Igbo
culture and the warrior-like spirit of the clan that was once the most feared among others.
 The Igbo people no longer respect the Igbo values as once before. This is seen especially
when Enoch unmasks the egwugwu which is strictly forbidden in Igbo customs.

b. What are some things Okonkwo has lost by being in exile?

During his exile, his obi and his barns have been destroyed. He has also lost his strong faith in hard
work and has also lost his hope for achieving the highest degree of success in his clan. He has lost his
faith in his fellowmen in Mbanta as they have taken sides with the new comers.

c. What plans does he make to gain back the years he has lost?

Okonkwo has planned since his first year in exile to build even bigger barns. He also wants to take
two more wives and get titles for his sons and more for himself. He planned to have Ezinma be
married soon.

41. Explain why Ezinma’s importance to Okonkwo becomes even more significant?
During the exile in Mbanta, Ezinma has grown to be a beautiful young woman who was at the age to
be married. Okonkwo, however, wanted her to be married to a clansman in Umuofia and so she
waited until their exile was over. She has become even more important as she will be married and
this will make Okonkwo even more famous in Umuofia. She had a strong, enduring relationship with
her father and did as he wished. Okonkwo admires her wisdom and obedience and still wishes she
was a male. She offered a promising chance of making her father proud than Nwoye did.

42. What function do the kotma perform and why are they an important element in the colonial
administration?
The kotma represent the people who have broken their ties with the Igbo community and shows that
the people have contributed to the collapse of their community and assisted the Europeans in
instilling new order. Like the egwugwu who have given the white men the Evil Forest to build their
church.

43. In chapter 20, Obierika says, “It is already too late.” Do you agree? Explain your views.

The egwugwu decided to burn the church after the Europeans have already built their churches, taken
away some members of their society, forced a new government and brought trading into the
community. Since a new government has been installed, the leaders of the community have been
imprisoned and the culture which binds the community is now replaced with the European culture.

44. “The white men had indeed brought a lunatic religion but he has also built a trading store…and
much money flowed into Umuofia.” What do you think is the significance of this statement in
chapter 21?
The Igbo people do not see the arrival of the new-comers as a total disaster and so allowed them to
stay; seeing that they have brought good changes to the community. They did not think that the
Europeans would take their plans further with their colonization plans. This shows the good quality
of the Igbo people display: peacefulness and the ability to compromising, despite how they may seem
primitive to the Europeans.

11. 45. What do you learn from the discussion on religion between Akunna and Mr. Brown?
The conversation between Mr. Brown and Akunna, a respected man of the clan, is about the conflict
between Christianity and the Igbo polytheistic beliefs. He says that the two religions are not so
different after all. This shows that the Europeans’ idea that the Igbo tradition is not as primitive as
they thought. In each religion, one approaches their god out of fear and respect.
46. When Okonkwo returns to Umuofia they did not take any special notice of him. Explain why you
think this is so and what is Okonkwo’s reaction?
No one in the village took notice of Okonkwo’s return as they no longer valued Igbo customs.
Okonkwo had achieved every form of traditional success in the land but now that the Igbo
community changed, people began to have different opinions about the Igbo way of life. Before the
influence of the European culture, everyone chose to follow Igbo traditions as this is what kept them
together.
Okonkwo was very disappointed to see that the attention of the villagers was captured by the
Europeans who were complete strangers, and did not acknowledge their own leader in his own clan.
He realized that even the strongest village in the land has fallen for the European’s trap. He began to
sense the true falling apart of the community at that point in the novel.
47. How do Enoch’s actions prepares for the ‘great conflict’?
Enoch creates more conflict between the upholders of the two contrasting religions as in the Igbo
religion they is no tolerance for disrespecting the gods. The egwugwu men are strictly adhering to the
Igbo laws as the disturbance of the gods could cause many tribulations for the Igbo community. The
Igbo leaders then realize at that point that the missionaries’ plans had gone too far and they tried to
discontinue them by burning down the church. This only creates even more conflict as the Europeans
view their actions as a crime when they are only attempting to protect their people.
48. In chapter 22, the narrator’s tone toward how events are being presented is beginning to change.
How is this so?
In chapter 22, the description of Reverend Smith has shown that the clan is doomed to collapse as the
white man is represented as someone evil and intolerant. He was unlike Mr. Brown who was
peaceful and comprising. The District Commissioner also represents one of the ‘evil’ men who have
imprisoned the Igbo leaders, including Okonkwo. The converts thought of welcoming and loving
persons individuals and in chapter 22 the Igbo people have now seen the true reason they had
installed pieces of their European culture into the Igbo centre of life.