Discussion Questions

Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences using the text for support.

1. Who are the judges in the legal case in Chapter 10, and how do they behave? Do you feel the judges decision is fair?

2. How does Okonkwo react when the priestess first makes her announcement? What actions does he take later and what do they show about his character?

3. What joyous ceremony takes place the day after the return from the cave? While preparing for ceremony, what do the men of Umuofia discuss at the market and what does this discussion show about them?

4. What terrible accident occurs at the funeral and what happens to Okonkwo's family as a result?

5. In your opinion, why did Achebe choose to end Part One the way he did? What aspects of the funeral ceremony make it possible for dangerous accidents to occur? How is this accident related to the infiltration of Western technology into a traditional culture?