Things Fall Apart Questions & Answers

In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo kills himself because he realizes that the Umuofia he devoted his life to defending has changed beyond repair, and because his own rigid idea of strength leaves him unable… read more

The novel takes place in southeastern Nigeria in the 1890s, primarily in the Igbo village of Umuofia and later in Mbanta, the village where Okonkwo and his family are exiled for seven years after his… read more

In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is a tragic hero because his greatest strengths—his ambition, courage, and devotion to masculinity—also become the flaws that destroy him. Like a classical tragic hero, he rises from humble… read more

Obierika is Okonkwo’s closest friend and one of the novel’s most thoughtful characters. Unlike Okonkwo, who reacts quickly with anger and violence, Obierika often questions the customs and decisions of Umuofia society. He serves as… read more

The egwugwu are masked clan elders who represent the spirits and ancestral authority of the nine villages of Umuofia. During ceremonies and trials, the men wear masks and costumes so that they appear to be… read more

In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is exiled because he accidentally shoots and kills Ezeudu’s 16-year-old son during Ezeudu’s funeral. Because the victim is a fellow clansman, the act is considered “a crime against the… read more

A chi is a person’s personal god or spiritual destiny. The Igbo believe that each person has a chi that influences fortune, success, and failure, but the novel also suggests that a person’s own choices… read more

In Things Fall Apart, Ikemefuna is killed because the Oracle decrees that he must die after living in Okonkwo’s household for three years. Although Ogbuefi Ezeudu warns Okonkwo not to take part in the… read more

In Things Fall Apart, Ikemefuna gradually comes to feel happy and secure living with Okonkwo’s family, especially because of his close friendship with Nwoye. At first, he is frightened and confused after being taken… read more

Chielo is the widow who serves as the priestess of Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves. In everyday life, she is friendly with Ekwefi and deeply affectionate toward Ezinma, whom she calls… read more

In Things Fall Apart, when Chielo takes Ezinma to the Oracle of Agbala in the middle of the night, Okonkwo follows after them with Ekwefi, even though Chielo had ordered Ekwefi not to come… read more

Unoka is Okonkwo’s father, and he is remembered as a gentle, unsuccessful man whose life deeply shapes Okonkwo’s personality. Unoka loves music, storytelling, and feasting, but he is also lazy and irresponsible, accumulating debts and… read more