Things Fall Apart – Study Guide – Part I
Character Identification
Okonkwo
Nwoye
Ikemefuna
Unoka
Ezinma
Plot Content
1.
Who is the Cat?
2.
Why did people laugh at Okonkwo’s father, Unoka?
3.
What does Okonkwo think about his son, Nwoye?
4.
Why is Ikemefuna sent from another village to live with Okonkwo?
5.
What did Okonkwo borrow to start his first farm?
6.
How does Okonkwo break the peace during the Week of Peace?
7.
How does Okonkwo feel about his transgression?
8.
Why does Ekwefi like to watch wrestling?
9.
With whom does Ikemefuna become particularly close?
10.
What does it mean that it seems Ezinma “has come to stay”?
11.
How do the villagers react to the locusts?
12.
What does Obeirika warn Okonkwo about Ikemefuna’s death?
13.
How does Ikemefuna die?
14.
What is Nwoye’s reaction to Ikemefuna’s death?
15.
What strange rumor do Obeirika and Okonkwo discuss?
16.
Why is Ekwefi so distraught by Ezinma’s illness?

Things Fall Apart – Study Guide – Part I
17.
Who cures Ezinma?
18.
On what condition can Uzowulu have Mgbafo back?
19.
Where does Chielo take Ezinma?
20.
What surprises Ekwefi when she waits outside the cave?
21.
What did Okonkwo do when Ezinma was taken by Chielo?
22.
How is Ezinma returned?
23.
What ceremony does Okonkwo’s family help prepare for?
24.
What happens at Ogbuefi Ezeudu’s funeral?
25.
What is Okonkwo’s punishment?
Possible Essay Questions
Please be prepared to respond to these prompts with an 8-10 sentence brief constructed response.
What is the nature of Okonkwo’s relationship with Ezinma?
How has Okonkwo’s father influenced the man Okonkwo has become?
What is Okonkwo’s relationship with his wives like? What does this tell us about his understanding of the association between men and women?