Things Fall Apart – Chapter 4 Review
Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper using complete sentences with the question in your answer. Some questions need multiple responses; these responses should be connected to create a paragraph and not answered as separate questions. Use transition words to ensure your answers connect to create a smoothly readable paragraph.
- What does the proverb, Those whose palm kernels were cracked by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble, say about the Ibo attitude toward pride?
- Explain the concept of chi. What is the meaning of the proverb, “When a man says yes his chi says yes also?” What does Okonkwo mean when he says he challenged his chi?
- How does Okonkwo treat Ikemefuna? What is his general attitude toward children in the Ibo culture?
- At one point Okonkwo says that affection is a sign of weakness. How is affection regarded in our society? Describe affection based on gender, age, culture, etc.? What's your opinion on our societies display of affection?
- What was Okonkwo's crime during the Week of Peace? Explain how he is punished.
- What does the kola nut symbolize, and why does Ezeani refuse to accept it from Okonkwo during the Week of Peace? Is Ezeani also “breaking” the Week of Peace by not accepting the kola nut?
- You notice the village has no jail to punish people who have committed a crime. What do you think of the way they deal with crime and punishment? Explain if their way of dealing with punishment would work in our society.
- Describe some of the rituals that take place during the Week of Peace.
- Many other cultures have a "day of peace and forgiveness" that is something like the Week of Peace. What do you think is the social benefit of this? What could be compared to a Week of Peace in our society?
- An old man in the village says that earlier times men who had broken the Week of Peace were dragged till they died. Why was this practice stopped?