things fall apart
Description
Ekwefi and child mutilation. The Evil Forest. Chielo, priestess of Agbala, speaking prophecy. “The land of the living was not far removed from the domain of the ancestors. There was coming and going between them, especially at festivals and also when an old man died…” What do you make of the power of the spirit world here? Does it work in the world of the novel? Do you think it has application outside the world of the novel? Why does this accident happen to Okonkwo? What do you think of his punishment? The White Man. The Oracle compares him to locusts who will eat everything. There is murder. There is slavery. There are Missionaries. Nwoye joins them. Chapters 17-20 We see the rise of the missionaries. Granted, they have the White army behind them, but for all of their early comedy they are ultimately very successful. Why do you think that is? Why do you think the White government is so successful? HINT: this is a major question for this book. Your answer will necessarily color your entire reading of the book. In Chapter 17 they seem to be immune to the local evil spirits. In a text so heavily dependent on the spirit world, why do you think that is? Once again, as you see this, so shall you understand the entire book. Okonkwo wants to fight the Christians. The others don’t. Why not? Day Four Things Fall Apart, Part III Chapter 21: Why does it seem that Okonkwo is the only one mourning the destruction of his clan? Things really ARE falling apart, and no one seems to care except him. Why not? Chapter 25: Why does Okonkwo kill himself? Is it a fit ending? Satisfying? Is he a tragic figure — the great person whose character traits bring him down, and then he understands why? Or is he merely pathetic — just fallen apart? Explain, please
