Kaiya Hamilton

Cornell Notes

Meyerend

4/22/20

17

What is the evil forest representative of?

The evil forest is the village’s dumping ground for all evil things essentially. There are many

evil spirits in the forest because of the multitude of evil items being dumped there. Because of

the evil, the ibo people didn't expect the white people to take the land they were offering, but

sadly this is going to be the beginning of the end.

Why did the villagers let the pregnant woman convert so easily?

The woman in question had already been through four pregnancies bearing twins. She is now

seen to have bad luck in a sense because twins are meant to be dumped in the evil forest. When

she wanted to join the christians, her family let her go because they figured she was a lost cause

anyway.

18

Does the carefulness of the villagers work out?

Although the villagers are very careful to minimize interactions with the white people, they keep

finding ways to butt in on their daily lives. For example, they are saving the twins from the evil

forest. This is bad for the villagers, and could result in the gods being angry with them.

How is the church welcoming everyone dangerous?

Because the church is still in the ibo village, the fact that outcasts are beginning to come could

potentially be dangerous because they could attack the village easily.

How does Okonkwo inspire the village?

Okonkwo gets tired of sitting around and allowing the christians to disrespect him, his tribe, and

their customs. He wants to ostracize them and make things the way they are supposed to be. He

considers this clan to be womanly, and is critical of their actions. They eventually agree to

confront the christians.

19

What is the kola nut representative of?

The kola nut is meant to be broken by the oldest member of the clan. It is an important crop, used

to show respect. Based on okonkwos offering of the kola nut to show his gratitude, i think the

kola nut may be like a bottle of champagne in our civilization

Why does Okonkwo hold the feast?

Okonkwo has spent the last 7 years in his motherland, Mbanta. He is finally about to be able to

go back to his fatherland. He is very gracious and thankful that his mother’s kinsmen have cared

for him so well, and held the feast to show gratitude.

20

Will everything go as well for okonkwo as he expects?

Okonkwo is expecting to go back to his clan and get everything back to normal right away. This

is most likely not going to happen, especially because Mr. Kiaga is showing no signs of backing

down. I don't expect everyone in the clan to welcome him back with open arms, either.

What is the reality of Umofia when Okonkwo returns?

Okonkwo asks his friend about why nobody is fighting back against the christians, and Obierika

tells him about the village of Abame and how the christians wiped it out. The church has

successfully infiltrated the village at this point, and a lot of stuff has fallen apart.