Things Fall Apart
1. Who is Unoka and what does Okonkwo think of him? Unoka was a great musician, but Okonkwo describes him as a “failure” (912). Why? What is Okonkwo’s fear and ambition in his life? Achebe writes, “Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper” (914). Is Okonkwo a violent man, or does he act like an angry man to be looked strong and tough? How would you describe Okonkwo? Why does Okonkwo worry about Nwoye, and what does he try to teach him? What is Okonkwo’s notion of “what it means to be a man?”
2. How do the clans of Umuofia and Mbaino resolve the tension involving the murder of a woman from Umuofia? Who is Ikemefuna, and why does he stay with Okonkwo? Okonkwo comes to like Ikemefuna, but he “never showed any emotion openly, unless it is the emotion of anger” (920). Why do you think Okonkwo equates anger with strength and affection with weakness? Later at a meeting, Okonkwo says, “This meeting is for men” (919). What does he mean by that? What do you make of Okonkwo’s attitude here? Is Okonkwo’s way of dealing with a less successful man respected by the people in Umuofia? How would you describe Okonkwo’s understanding of manliness and manly strength and emotion? Does Okonkwo’s idea of manliness represent the clan’s view of what it means to be a man?
3. Why do the Ibo people observe the Week of Peace, and what error (or “crime”) does Okonkwo commit during the Week of Peace? Is Okonkwo aware of the consequence of breaking the peace before the clans plant any new crops? Is he disrespectful to the clan’s custom and the earth goddess, or is he unable to control his anger? What punishment does he get from Ezeani, the priest of the earth goddess (Ani)? What do you think of the way the community treats people who violated the custom? Why does Okonkwo feel uncomfortable sitting for days waiting for the New Yam Festival? Is he harsh on himself, or is he impatient? Why do you think Okonkwo acts and reacts violently?
Sample Solution
In Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, Unoka is Okonkwo’s father, who has had a big influence in his son’s life. Unoka was known for being an individualist and a gifted musician who played the flute beautifully (Achebe 912). Despite this, he was considered to be a failure by Okonkwo and most of the people in Umuofia because he did not have any titles or wealth like many other men of that time period (912). This judgment goes against all traditional Igbo beliefs about masculinity which emphasize physical strength and success as key components to achieving high status within the community. In addition, Unoka struggled with debt throughout his life due to his poor financial management skills thus further perpetuating the idea that he was an unsuccessful man (916-917).
Okonkwo has a very complicated relationship with his father because while on one hand he idolizes him as an independent spirit and talented musician, on the other hand he feels ashamed by what is perceived as Unoka\’s inability to rise above poverty through hard work. As such Okonkwo often expresses resentment towards him for leaving him with little inheritance apart from debts to pay off. It is clear that at times these negative emotions are replaced with kindness though when it becomes evident toward end of novel that some of Unokas courage rubbed off onto Okonkwo along way even if their views conflict so much in terms how should live life.
Overall, it is clear why Okonkwos view on Unoka changes over course of book while remaining complex throughout narrative but even though might disagree strongly with whats seen failure there still compassion behind criticisms largely stemming from admiration love they shared.
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