Chapter 8 Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

● After killing Ikemefuna, Okonkwo didn’t eat for 2 days but only drank palm wine. (asked his son to sit with him but son left after Okonkwo fell asleep)

● On the third day, Ezinma brought him food that Ekwefi made and told him to eat all

● Scolds himself for being weak about killing Ikemefuna● Goes to visit his friend Obierika● Talks with him about daughters bride price and about

wishing his daughter was a boy. ● Ofoedu comes in telling about old man and woman dying

at another tribe● Okonkwo leaves but comes back later to see Obierika’s

suitor● The men in hut settle on bride price as 20 bags of cowries.

They then ate, drank and talked.

Basic Events

● Okonkwo vs. Himself and his guilt for killing Ikemefuna making him weak

● Umuofia vs. Ikemefuna with the decision to kill him

● Okonkwo vs. Obierika a little with their argument over Okonkwo’s actions (going against word to not kill Ikemefuna)

Conflicts

● Snuff● Punishment for going against oracles word

(Okonkwo’s lack of guilt for killing Ikemefuna after he was told not to)

● Only tapping tall trees if the title is won● Painted skin and fancy clothing to meet suitor● Bargaining with short broom sticks● Guests draw lines on floor before eating kola

nuts● In other tribes, suitor brings continuous bags of

cowries until they brides family says to stop.

Cultural Norms

● Ozo: The name of one of a persons titles

● Coiffure: Traditional ceremonial headwear

● Uli: A dye used by woman for drawing on the skin

● Jigida: Waist beads

Terms and Definitions

● Obierika-Okonkwo’s friend● Maduka-Obierika’s son● Ozoemena-First wife of Ogbuefi● Akueke-Maduka’s half sister● Ibe-Suitor● Ukegbo-Ibe’s father● Machi● Amadi-A Leper

Characters

● Asking for blessings or permission for marriage

● Money for wedding preparations between families

● Ceremonial clothing is worn in parts of world

Connections

● Do you think a part of his Grandfather stayed with Okonkwo?

● How could Obierika influence Okonkwo in a positive way? Could he be a good role model?

Questions