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Chapter Three

Note: The chi or personal spirit (rather like the daemon of Socrates) is a recurring theme in the book. The term "second burial" is a delayed funeral ceremony given after the family has had time to prepare. Note that a customary way of committing suicide in this culture is hanging.

1. The priestess of Agbala is introduced at the beginning of this chapter. She is a very significant figure in this book. What effect does her status have on your judgment of the roles played by women in the culture?
2. How is awareness of rank observed in the drinking of the palm wine?
3. Note that this chapter contains another proverb about proverbs. Record it here.
4. How does share-cropping work? What is the relationship of women to agriculture?

Chapter Four

Note: It is women who are chiefly responsible for decorating the houses. In many African cultures they are also the chief domestic architects, and the mud walls are shaped by them into pleasing patterns. Guns were brought into Sub-Saharan Africa early on by Muslim merchants, but would have been fairly unusual. Note Nwoye's affection for Ikemefuna. It will be significant later.

1. What does this proverb mean, "When a man says yes his chi says yes also"?
2. What is Okonkwo's relationship with Ikemefuna like?
3. What is the crime that causes Okonkwo's to be reprimanded? What does it tell you about the values of the culture?
4. What evidence is there in this chapter that customs have changed over time? That customs differ among contemporary cultures? What are the limits of the power of the village rain-maker?

Chapter Five

1. Briefly summarize the story of Ikwefi. What kind of a woman is she? What do you think is the significance of women having to sit with their legs together?