What does nwoye symbolize in things fall apart?
Nwoye is Okonkwo’s eldest son who Okonkwo considers irredeemably effeminate and very much like his father, Unoka. As a child, Nwoye is the frequent object of his father’s criticism and remains emotionally unfulfilled. Neither father nor son is unable to see and understand the other on his own terms.
Why was Okonkwo worried for nwoye?
Okonkwo’s anxiety about Nwoye’s laziness relates directly to Okonkwo’s disappointment in his father, Unoka, who had lived a life of unproductivity. To prevent Nwoye from taking after Unoka, Okonkwo resorts to verbal and physical violence. Okonkwo’s treatment seems to alienate and sadden Nwoye more than motivate him.
Who was Ajofia?
Ajofia was the leading egwugwu of Umuofia. He was the head and spokesman of the nine (family relatives or things that existed long, long ago) who given/gave justice in the group of people. His voice was absolutely clear and so he was able to bring immediate peace to the upset/angry spirits.
What is an Egwugwu?
According to tradition, any village ancestor who has been buried in the earth returns during an annual ceremony as an egwugwu. In reality, an egwugwu is a clansman wearing a mask representing an ancestor who has come back from the dead.
Why is Okonkwo almost happy again?
Okonkwo is almost happy again, despite the fact that his clan did not agree to kill the Christians or drive them away. Even so, he and the rest of the villagers are on their guard, and for the next two days they arm themselves with guns and machetes.
Who leads the Egwugwu of Umuofia?
Each of the nine egwugwu represented a village of the clan. Their leader was called Evil Forest. Smoke poured out of his head. The nine villages of Umuofia had grown out of the nine sons of the first father of the clan.
What illness does Ezinma contract?
Ezinma is also a favorite of Okonkwo, and because of her spirit and cleverness, he sometimes wishes that she had been born a boy. Now she lies suffering with fever while Okonkwo gathers leaves, grasses, and barks for medicine.
Why didn’t the birds help the tortoise?
The birds do not want Tortoise to join them at the feast in the sky because it is a time of famine. Tortoise is cunning and ungrateful. Tortoise is able to fly because the birds give him feathers to make wings.
What is Ekwefi’s story about?
Ekwefi is Okonkwo’s second wife. Once a village beauty, she ran away from her home and husband to marry Okonkwo. She was smitten with Okonkwo when he beat the notorious Cat in a legendary wrestling match. Regardless, Ekwefi is the most spirited of Okonkwo’s wives and frequently stands up to him and talks back.
How did nwoye change in things fall apart?
Nwoye converts to Christianity largely to reject the excessive standard of masculinity his father wants him up to uphold. Nwoye is not at all like his father, and Okonkwo constantly punishes him for being different. Stifled by his father’s expectations, Nwoye runs away and joins the European church.
Is nwoye lazy?
Nwoye, “was already causing his father great anxiety for his incipient laziness,” (Achebe, 13) and, “Okonkwo was specially fond of Ezinma,” (Achebe, 45) and thought that, “she should have been a boy,” (Achebe, 64). Nwoye was lazy and Okonkwo feared that Nwoye was slowly becoming like Okonkwo’s father, Unoka.
Why is ikemefuna killed?
Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna because he doesn’t want to appear weak in front of his fellow clansmen. Ogbuefi Ezeudu, a village elder, informs Okonkwo that the Oracle has decreed that Ikemefuna must be killed but that Okonkwo should not be the one to kill him, since Ikemefuna regards Okonkwo as a father.
What violent acts did Okonkwo commit?
Okonkwo is given charge of Ikemefuna for three years. During the Week of Peace, Okonkwo commits the crime of beating his wife. This is his first crime against the earth. As punishment, he is told to make a ritual sacrifice, which he does.
How is Okonkwo powerful?
As a result, Okonkwo’s becomes successful in many ways – he becomes very wealthy, holds a high-ranked position in the community, has three wives, and is known for his skill as a wrestler and warrior. He can beat his wives without guilt. He can threaten Ekwefi with a gun when she talks back.
What Okonkwo means?
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo represents the best part of the tribal values in various ways. At the same time, he represents the worst part of tribal life according to what the tribe values. Truly, Okonkwo has qualities that prove he is a respected leader in his tribe.
How is Okonkwo hard working?
Okonkwo’s intense fear of failure and being perceived as weak and “feminine” dominates his life. He works hard because he fears becoming his father. He defines masculinity in a toxic, rigid way. Indeed, his fear of being perceived as weak causes him to murder his adoptive son Ikemefuna.