Things Fall Apart

Harmattan A dusty wind that blows along the western coast of Africa in certain seasons

Cowries Shells used in some African societies as money

Kola Nut The large meaty nut of the kola tree, with several pieces in one shell

Oracle A god who can foretell the future, usually through a human priest or priestess

Sisal A type of vine with fibers that are often used for making ropes

Calabashes Gourds used as containers

Pottage A kind of stew

Plantains Starchy fruit, similar to a banana, that must be cooked before it is eaten

Raffia A fiber from a palm tree, used like a string

Kite A bird of prey

Iron Horse Bicycle

Bull-Roarer Noise-maker made from the horn of a bull

Creepers Vines growing on trees

Singlets A man’s undershirt

Character List Directions: Keep a running list of personality/physical traits for each of the characters below Okonkwo (Oh-kawn-kwoh) –  Unoka (Ooh-no-kah) –  Nwoye (Nuh-who-yeh) –  Ikemefuna (Ee-keh-meh-foo-nah) –  Ekwefi (Eh-kweh-fee) –  Ezinma (Eh-zeen-mah) –  Ojiugo (Oh-jee-ooh-goh) –  Obierika (Oh-bee-air-ee-kah) –  Chielo (Chee-eh-loh) –

Chapters 1-2 Study Questions 1. For what is Okonkwo famous in his clan in Umofia? 2. How does Okonkwo feel about his father, Unoka? Why? 3. Explain the proverb as it relates to Okonkwo: "If a child washed his hands, he could eat with kings." 4. How do the men Umuofia decide what to do about the murder of a woman from their clan? What role do the women of Umuofia have in the decision? 5. How do people of Umuofia react to the dark? 6. What is the philosophy of war amongst the clans? 7. What evidence of Okonkwo's spiritual life is found on his compound?