Things Fall Apart Novel: Trivia Test Quiz

The correct answer is Yam because yam is considered the most important crop for the Igbo people. It holds a significant cultural and economic value in their society. Yam is not only a staple food but also plays a crucial role in ceremonies, festivals, and social gatherings. It is often seen as a symbol of wealth, abundance, and fertility. Additionally, yam farming and trading contribute significantly to the Igbo economy.

Okonkwo dies by hanging himself. This act is a result of his deep despair and shame after the arrival of the white colonizers and the destruction of his Igbo culture. He sees no way to regain his honor and believes that suicide is the only way to escape the humiliation. This tragic end reflects the devastating impact of colonialism on Okonkwo's life and the loss of his identity and traditional values.

Okonkwo fears becoming like his father because his father, Unoka, was considered weak and unsuccessful in their society. Unoka was known for being lazy, poor, and lacking ambition, which brought shame upon Okonkwo and his family. Okonkwo is determined to be the complete opposite of his father and strives to be strong, successful, and respected in the community. He fears that any resemblance to his father's traits or behavior would undermine his own reputation and status, causing him to be seen as weak and unworthy.

"Things Fall Apart" is a novel written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, and it is set in Nigeria. The story revolves around the life of Okonkwo, a respected warrior and leader in the Igbo community, during the colonization period in Nigeria. The novel explores the clash between traditional African culture and the arrival of European colonialism, making Nigeria the appropriate setting for the story.

Okonkwo constantly wishes that Ezinma had been a son. This is because in the Igbo culture, sons are highly valued and seen as a symbol of strength and success. Okonkwo is disappointed that he only has daughters and believes that having a son would have brought him more honor and respect in his community. He sees Ezinma as his most promising child and wishes she had been born a boy so that she could fulfill his expectations and carry on his legacy.

The correct answer is "the son of a failure" because in the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo is portrayed as the son of Unoka, who is considered a failure in the Igbo society. Unoka is depicted as a lazy and unsuccessful man who is unable to provide for his family. Okonkwo, in contrast, strives to be the complete opposite of his father and becomes a successful and respected warrior in his community.

In the book "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo beats Amalinze the Cat in his legendary wrestling match. This victory is significant because Amalinze was known as the undefeated cat and defeating him establishes Okonkwo's strength and prowess as a wrestler. It also symbolizes Okonkwo's rise to power and his ability to overcome challenges and obstacles in his life.

Okonkwo is forced to go into exile for seven years. This means that he is banished from his village and must live in a different place for a specified period of time. The reason for his exile is not provided in the question, but it could be due to a crime or a violation of the village's customs. During his exile, Okonkwo will be separated from his family and community, which can have significant social and emotional consequences for him.

Okonkwo gained fame in a wrestling match during his youth. This suggests that he was physically strong and skilled in combat, which was highly valued in his community. Wrestling matches were a way for young men to prove their strength and earn respect. Okonkwo's success in this match would have elevated his status and reputation among his peers and the wider community.

Ekwefi is the name of Okonkwo's second wife. This information is not explicitly mentioned in the given question, but it is the correct answer based on prior knowledge of the characters in the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. Ekwefi is a prominent character in the story and plays a significant role in Okonkwo's life.

Okonkwo helps kill Ikemefuna despite being advised not to do so. This action demonstrates Okonkwo's adherence to the customs and traditions of his society, where showing weakness or sentimentality is frowned upon. Okonkwo believes that by participating in the killing, he is proving his strength and loyalty to his clan. This decision ultimately contributes to Okonkwo's downfall and highlights the tragic consequences of blindly following societal expectations.

Okonkwo is driven to extreme behaviors because he is terrified of failure. This fear stems from his upbringing and the pressure he feels to live up to the expectations of his father and society. Okonkwo's desire to be successful and avoid the fate of his father drives him to work tirelessly and become aggressive. His fear of failure is so intense that it leads him to make impulsive decisions and resort to violence in order to maintain his position and reputation in the community.

The correct answer is "a wicked child who returns to its mother to be reborn so that it can die again." This belief in ogbanje is rooted in traditional African folklore, particularly in Igbo culture. According to this belief, an ogbanje is a malevolent spirit that repeatedly dies and returns to its mother's womb to be reborn, causing suffering and grief. This explanation aligns with the context provided in the question, where Ekwefi is believed to be cursed by an ogbanje.

Okwoko is enraged and embittered when Nwoye becomes a Christian because it goes against their traditional beliefs and values. In their culture, Christianity is seen as a foreign religion that threatens their way of life. Nwoye's decision to convert to Christianity is seen as a betrayal to his family and their ancestral customs. This causes Okwoko to feel angry and resentful towards Nwoye for abandoning their traditions and embracing a religion that they view as a threat.

Okonkwo is exiled because he unintentionally kills a fellow clan member. This suggests that his exile is not a punishment for a deliberate act of violence, but rather a consequence of a tragic accident. This explanation implies that the society in which Okonkwo lives has strict rules and customs that demand severe consequences for any kind of harm caused within the clan, even if it is unintentional.

Okwoko has three wives. This can be inferred from the given options where "three wives" is the only option that matches the question.

While attending the funeral, Okwoko's gun accidentally discharges and tragically kills a young boy. This event is significant because it demonstrates the consequences of Okwoko's careless handling of his weapon. It also foreshadows potential conflicts and tensions that may arise as a result of this incident.

In the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo's clan suspects that the Christians have killed and eaten a python, which is considered a holy animal in their culture. The python is revered and seen as a symbol of the earth goddess, and its killing and consumption is strictly prohibited. This suspicion reflects the clash between the traditional beliefs and practices of the Igbo people and the introduction of Christianity, which challenges and disrupts their cultural and religious norms.

The correct answer is that Ikemefuna is the sacrifice for the earth goddess. This can be inferred from the cultural practices and beliefs of the clan. In the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, it is established that the clan follows certain rituals and sacrifices to appease their deities. Ikemefuna, being an outsider who was taken in by the clan, is chosen as a sacrifice to fulfill this religious obligation. It is not mentioned or implied anywhere in the question that Ikemefuna has leprosy, the sleeping sickness, or that he breaks any clan law.

The Igbo refer to the "iron horse" as a bicycle. This can be inferred from the fact that the other options, such as a train carriage, a star wrestler, and an elephant, do not align with the term "iron horse". A bicycle is often referred to as an "iron horse" due to its mechanical nature and the fact that it is powered by human effort, similar to a horse.

In the allegory of Tortoise, the birds give feathers to Tortoise. This is likely because birds have feathers and they are known for shedding them during molting. Feathers can be seen as a valuable resource for Tortoise as they can provide insulation, protection, and camouflage. Additionally, feathers may symbolize a sense of belonging or acceptance as Tortoise receives a gift from the birds, who are typically seen as more agile and free-spirited creatures.

Enoch's action of unmasking an egwugwu, which is a sacred and revered spirit in the clan, is seen as a grave offense and provokes the rage of the clan. The egwugwu represent the ancestral spirits and are considered to be the embodiment of the clan's traditions and customs. By unmasking one of them, Enoch not only disrespects the spirit but also challenges the authority and beliefs of the entire clan. This act is considered sacrilegious and leads to anger and outrage among the clan members.

Okonkwo's treatment of his family can be described as stern and often violent because throughout the novel, "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo is portrayed as a strict and domineering figure who values strength and masculinity. He frequently resorts to physical violence to assert his authority and maintain control over his family members. This is evident in his harsh treatment of his wives and children, as well as his strict adherence to traditional gender roles. Okonkwo's stern and violent nature ultimately leads to the downfall of his relationships and his own tragic fate.

In the given events, the climax is reached when a Christian convert unmasks an egwugwu. This action signifies a direct challenge to the traditional religious beliefs and customs of the Igbo community. Unmasking an egwugwu is a highly disrespectful act, as the egwugwu are seen as spiritual beings representing the ancestors. This act not only disrupts the religious harmony but also reveals the clash between the old traditions and the new Christian beliefs that are being introduced. It is a pivotal moment that highlights the tension and conflict within the community.

Late one night, Ezinma is taken temporarily by the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. This suggests that Ezinma has a special connection or power that allows her to communicate with the spiritual realm. The Oracle is a significant figure in Igbo culture, known for its ability to communicate with the gods and provide guidance. Ezinma's encounter with the Oracle implies that she possesses a unique spiritual gift or is chosen by the gods for a specific purpose. This event adds to the mystical and supernatural elements present in the story.

Outcasts are required to shave their heads before they may join the church. This act of shaving their heads symbolizes a form of purification and a willingness to leave behind their previous identity. It is a physical representation of their commitment to the church and their willingness to conform to its rules and beliefs.

Ikemefuna comes to live in Umuofia as a sacrifice made by his clan, which hopes to avoid war. This is evident from the text as it is mentioned that Ikemefuna is brought to Umuofia by his clan as a peace offering to avoid conflict with the neighboring village. The sacrifice of Ikemefuna is seen as a way to maintain peace and prevent the outbreak of war between the two clans.

Mr. Brown is the correct answer because he is described as gentle and willing to compromise. This suggests that he approaches the missionary efforts in Umuofia with a peaceful and open-minded attitude. Unlike Mr. Smith, who is described as fanatical and intolerant, Mr. Brown is more understanding and willing to find common ground with the people of Umuofia. This makes him an effective leader in the early stages of the missionary efforts, as his approach is more likely to foster positive relationships and acceptance among the villagers.

During certain religious festivals, men of the clan embody important clan spirits, known as egwugwu. These rituals require them to wear intricate costumes and masks, symbolizing the presence of these spirits. The term "egwugwu" refers to the spiritual entities that are believed to possess these men during the ceremonies, allowing them to communicate with the divine and carry out sacred traditions.

In the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo and his family are taken in by his mother's family. This happens after Okonkwo is exiled from his own village for accidentally killing a clansman. Okonkwo's mother's family offers him and his family a place to stay and support during their time of need. This decision reflects the importance of kinship and the extended family system in Igbo culture, where relatives are expected to help and support each other in times of trouble.

Uchendu can be described as wise and gentle because throughout the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, he consistently demonstrates wisdom and kindness towards others. He offers valuable advice and guidance to the protagonist Okonkwo, helping him navigate difficult situations. Uchendu also shows compassion and understanding towards his family members, particularly when they are facing hardships. His calm and patient demeanor, along with his ability to provide wise counsel, exemplify his gentle and wise nature.

Mr. Smith is the correct answer because he is described as being fanatical and intolerant. This suggests that he holds extreme and rigid beliefs and is not open to different perspectives or willing to compromise. This type of behavior can be harmful and divisive, especially in a leadership position. It is important for leaders to be open-minded, understanding, and willing to work towards finding common ground, which Mr. Smith does not seem to possess.

Based on the given information, it can be inferred that the events that occur after the destruction of the church indicate that the people of Umuofia have lost their independence. This suggests that they no longer have control over their own affairs and are possibly under the influence or control of an external force. The destruction of their place of worship could symbolize the loss of their cultural and religious autonomy, further reinforcing the idea of their diminished independence.

Okwonko goes with the men and participates in Ikemefuna's execution. This is evident from the information given in the question. It states that when Ikemefuna is taken to be killed, Okwonko goes with the men. The word "AND" implies that he not only goes with them but also takes part in the execution. Therefore, the correct answer is "goes with the men AND participates in Ikemefuna's execution."

Nwoye's character in the given options can be best described as sad and thoughtful. This can be inferred from the fact that Nwoye is depicted as a sensitive and introspective individual throughout the text. He often feels isolated and disconnected from his family's traditional values and beliefs, which causes him great sadness. Nwoye is also shown to be thoughtful as he contemplates and questions the customs and practices of his tribe, seeking a deeper understanding of his own identity and purpose in life.

During Okwoko's exile, the arrival of both the Christians and the white man in the region could have significant implications. The Christians' arrival could indicate a potential shift in religious beliefs and practices in the region, possibly leading to cultural and social changes. On the other hand, the arrival of the white man could suggest the beginning of colonization or foreign influence in the area, which could have political, economic, and social consequences for the local population. Therefore, the combined arrival of both groups could signify a period of significant transformation and potential conflict in the region.

In Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo's suicide is a powerful symbolic act that signifies his ultimate rejection of the changes brought by colonial forces in Umuofia. His suicide represents his refusal to submit to the colonial rule that has disrupted his traditional way of life and stripped him of his cultural identity. It also symbolizes his despair and inability to adapt to the changes imposed on his society.