1. Homework Check: Ch 2 Characters Proverbs Ogbuefi Ezeugo: Ogbuefi Udo
Nwoye:
Ikemefuna:
Nameless virgin from Mbaino
Nwoye’s Nameless Mother
Agbala
Proverbs
“When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk” (10).
“A snake was never called by its name at night because it would hear.” (9)

2. Check chapter q’s How many years does Ikemefuna live with Okonkwo?
What war would they not fight?
Okonkwo hates these two things (personal traits).
What’s Okonkwo’s real son’s name?

3. Ch 2 Discussion Questions
What is the role and the routine of the town crier? What did his cries harken on this occasion?
What fills this role in American culture?
Explain the conflict with Mbaino. Why did Mbaino want to avoid war with Umofia? What was Okonkwo’s role?
How does the Umofian offer to avoid war show that the rights of women are sublimated in this culture? What other evidence can you find that suggests patriarchal (male) privilege in Igbo culture?
What do you think happened to the nameless Mbaino virgin that arrived in Umofia with Ikemefuna?
What drives Okonkwo to act?
How does Okonkwo’s house and household reflect his status?

4. Homework Check: Ch 3 Characters Proverbs Igwelo Obiako Ogbuefi Idigo
Anasi
Nwakibie
Ifejioku
Ani
The Oracle of the Caves and Hills
Chika
Agbala
Proverbs
“When a man is at peace with his gods and ancestors, his harvest will be good or bad according to the strength of his arm.” (17)
“Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too. If one says no to the other, let his wing break.” (19)
“A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing.” (20)
“An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned.” (21)
“Since men have learned to shoot without missing, [birds] have learned to fly without perching.” (22)
“You can tell a ripe corn by its look.” (22)

5. Ch 3 Discussion Questions
How did Unoka die? Why was his death shameful? Describe his “funeral.”
How do Umofian funerals compare to funerals in our culture? Does our culture have a concept of a “shameful death?”
Describe Igbo eating and drinking rituals.
Explain the privileges a first wife maintains in the Igbo culture.
Describe how Nwakibie acted as a father to Okonkwo.
Explain the significance of Okonkwo’s first harvest.