Tfa Study Guide Sample

Ima Student Mrs. Ebarvia Honors World Literature March 26, 2009 TFA Chapters 1-4 QUOTATIONS Achebe points out that, as an adult, Unoka “was a failure. He was poor and his wife and children barely had enough to eat. People laughed at him because he was a loafer, and they swore never to lend him any more”(5). Regarding the palm wine tapper who “suddenly gave up his trade,” Ogbuefi Idigo, an elder in the tribe, tells the other men, “There must be something behind it, […] There must be some reason for it. A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing”(20). Despite his fear of appearing emotional, “Okonkwo himself became very fond of the boy” and “he allowed Ikemefuna to accompany him, like a son, carrying his stool and his goat-skin bag. And indeed, Ikemefuna called him father”(28).

QUESTIONS 1. How does Unoka like to spend his time? (factual) • Unoka spends his time playing his flute and telling stories. He does not spend the time necessary to develop his crops. 2. How is Ibo society organized? (inductive) • Ibo society has a hierarchical, patriarchal structure. Okonkwo enjoys a high place in his clan because he is a successful farmer, respected warrior, and a fierce wrestler. In addition, in Ibo society, a man is considered successful based on the number of wives and children he has. Again, Okonkwo prospers because he has three wives and many children. 3. Why is taking Ikemefuna from the other village a significant event? (analytical) • I think this question is important because it could determine what will happen in the future. Does the other village think that giving Ikemefuna away is the right thing to do? What does Ikemefuna’s father think? In Umuofia, Ikemefuna is placed in Okonkwo’s care, and since Okonkwo is such a prominent member of the tribe, Ikemefuna will probably play a significant role.