English 9
Grancagnolo
Things Fall Apart Focus Questions
Chapter 1
1. What event made Okonkwo well-known throughout his village?
2. Describe Okonkwo’s physical appearance.
3. Who is Unoka?
4. What is an important crop to the Ibo?
Chapter 2
1. What is the reason for the village meeting?
2. What choice is Mbaino given in order to solve the problem?
3. What is Okonkwo’s greatest fear?
Chapter 3
1. For what reasons would a man visit the oracle?
2. What is Unoko accused of being?
3. Who is Nwakibie? What does he give to Okonkwo?
Chapter 4
1. How does Okonkwo insult the man at the “kindred meeting”? What does he call him?
2. Does Okonkwo show outward affection for Ikemefuna?
3. Why does Okonkwo beat his youngest wife?
4. What is the “week of peace”?
Chapter 5
1. What is the “Feast of the New Yam”?
2. Who is Ani?
3. Why does Okonkwo beat his second wife?
Chapter 6
1. Why has everyone gathered at the ilo?
2. Explain the quote, “she has been very well for some time now. Perhaps she has come to
stay.”
Chapter 7
1. Why does Nwoye grumble when he is asked to do a “masculine task” for his mother or
one of his father’s wives?
2. What does Ezeudu come to tell Okonkwo? Why is he not to “bear a hand” in Ikemefuna’s
death?
Chapter 8
1. What strange news does Ofoedu tell Okonkwo?
2. How was Akuke’s bride-price decided?
3. If a person is labeled, “the white skin,” what does he/she have?
Chapter 9
1. What secret do Ezinma and her mother share?
2. Why aren’t children supposed to eat eggs?
3. Explain why the villagers believe that Ezinma will finally live a healthy life?
Chapter 10
1. Who is Evil Forest?
2. What is the outcome of the trial?
Chapter 11
1. Why can’t Ekwefi accompany Enzima and Chielo on their journey? What does she
decide to do anyway?
2. Why is Ekwefi certain that everything will be all right by the end of the chapter?
Chapter 12
1. What is the cause for celebration?
2. How many times did Okonkwo go to the shrine looking for Ekwefi and Ezinma?
3. Find 3 similarities and 3 differences between Ibo and American wedding/marriage
customs.
Chapter 13
1. What did Ezeudu tell Okonkwo the last time he visited him?
2. How many titles did Ezeudu have when he died?
3. Why must Okonkwo and his family flee Mbaino? Where will they go?