Things Fall Apart
Reading Questions ch. 1 – 9
Ch.1
1.
What words does the narrator use to describe Unoka? What made Unoka happy?
2.
Why did Okoye come to see Unoka? What did Unoka say to him? Was Okoye angry with Unoka?
3.
How was Okonkwo able to become wealthy and famous when his father owed so much to everyone?
4.
How important do you think Ikemefuna will be in the story? What words are used to describe him?
Ch. 2 & 3
5.
How does Okonkwo feel about his war triumphs? His “wineglass” for special occasions?
6.
What important news does Ogbuefi Exeugo bring the men in the marketplace and what action is taken?
7.
Who does Umuofia always consult before deciding to wage war?
8.
What happened to the girl from Mbaino? What happened to the boy, Ikemefuna?

9.
What is Okonkwo’s greatest fear?
10.
How did Okonkwo find a positive side to the sad harvest?
Ch. 4-6
11.
How did Ikemefuna adjust to his new home? How did Okonkwo treat him?
12.
What did Okonkwo do to get in trouble with Ezeani?
13.
How did this behavior affect his reputation in the village?
14.
Why does Okonkwo threaten Nwoye? What does he hope to accomplish with his treatment of his son?
15.
What is ironic about Onkonkwo’s prayers to his ancestors?
16.
What role does superstition play in the lives of the Ibo?
17.
What are the tasks of the women and girls in the village?
18.
Do you think that all fathers treat their girls as Okonkwo treatas Ezinma and Obiageli?
Ch. 7-9
19.
Why did Okonkwo tell the boys stories of violence and bloodshed?

20.
Why are the Ibo happy to see the locusts? What do they do with them?
21.
Do you think Nwoye’s mother had any idea what was planned for Ikemefuna?
22.
How was it possible for Okonkwo to kill Ikemefuna? Was his action justifiable?
23.
What bothers Okonkwo the most about Ikemefuna’s death?
24.
What is Obierika’s advice to Okonkwo regarding what he should have done on the day he killed
Ikemefuna?
25.
Why is Ezinma’s illness so upsetting to Ekwefi?
26.
Describe the belief regarding the obanje and iyi-uwa.
27.
Does Okonkwo act predictably when Ezinma gets sick? Why?