Chapters+7-10

1. In contrast to other (e.g. Biblical) representations of locusts as a terrible plague, how does the village react to the **coming of the locusts** in Chapter Seven ?

2. **What values does Okonkwo associate with manliness** ? How does Nwoye relate to these values? Why is Okonkwo disappointed with his son Nwoye? How has Nwoye begun to "act like a man" in Chapter Seven? Compare Okonkwo’s attitude toward Nwoye to Okonkwo’s attitude toward his daughter Ezinma in Chapter Eight.

3. ** Consider the case of Ikemefuna ,** What is the purpose of the taking of Ikemefuna? How does he come to stay in Okonkwo’s home? What is Okonkwo's relationship with Ikemefuna? Compare Okonkwo’s feelings to Nwoye’s affection for Ikemefuna. What are the reasons and circumstances of Ikemefuna’s death? Why does Okonkwo act as he does, despite the advice of others not to participate in the killing of Ikemefuna in Chapter Seven? How does Nwoye feel and (re)act?

4. **Compare Obierika—a man "who thinks about things"--to Okonkwo**. Consider Obierika as a kind of **//foil//**—a parallel or contrasting character--to Okonkwo.

5 . **What attitudes toward children does the belief in //ogbabje// reflect?** What is done to break the cycle of birth and death shown in Chapter Nine? How does the Igbo belief in ogbanje and the efforts to break the cycle of birth and death contrast to the "enigma" of "throwing away" of twins. Does Achebe seem to validate the belief in //ogbanje//?

6. **Analyze the significance of the //egwugwu// ceremony of the Igbo which is dramatized in Chapter Ten**. Who are the //egwugwu// and what are the functions of the ceremony? Do the women know on some level that these mysterious beings are their men folk in disguise? Explain the women’s behavior.