Things Fall Apart Proverbs

What does this proverb mean?

[Unoka] always said that whenever he saw a dead man's mouth, he saw the folly of not eating what one had in one's lifetime.

• Unoka believes in working hard for what you want in life.

• Unoka believes in enjoying what you have in the present.

• Unoka believes that you must do the best with what you are given.

• Unoka believes that only fools enjoy the present while ignoring the future.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does this proverb mean?

Okoye: "He who brings kola brings life."

• Kola is a symbol for honor.

• Kola is a gift for a child.

• Kola is an appropriate replacement for water.

• Kola is a symbol for an apology.

What does this proverb mean?

Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.

• Proverbs only serve to distract from the conversation topics.

• Proverbs prevent people from understanding you.

• Proverbs are a necessary component for rising in social status.

• Proverbs make conversation better.

What does this proverb mean?

Unoka: Our elders say that the sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them.

• Respect your elders.

• Kneel for those who deserve your respect; stand for those who don't.

• The most important things come first.

• Tackle the smallest issues before the biggest ones.

What does this proverb mean?

(There are two answers for this question.)

As the elders said, if a child washed his hands, he could eat with kings.

• If you remove the footprint of your ancestors, you can be whatever you want to be.

• Hygiene is crucial if you want to rise up the social ladder.

• Your greatness is determined by your own actions.

• Children must follow the rules in order to be accepted into society.

What does this proverb mean?

As the Ibo say: "When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk."

• Moonlight erases old injuries.

• Moonlight banishes fear and danger.

• Moonlight brings nostalgia and hope.

• Moonlight paves the way for new dreams.

What does this proverb mean?

During the planting season Okonkwo worked daily on his farms from cock-crow until the chickens went to roost.

• Okonkwo worked only with the chickens.

• Okonkwo worked from sunrise to sunset.

• Okonkwo worked from before the sun rose until after it fell.

• Okonkwo worked extremely hard.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does this proverb NOT mean?

"Do what you are told, woman," Okonkwo thundered, and stammered. "When did you become one of the ndichie of Umuofia?"

• Don't think more highly of yourself than you should.

• You won't ever be a leader in this clan.

• Don't question others.

• Know your place.

What does this proverb mean?

Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too. If one says no to the other, let his wing break.

• Even competitors must be at peace or risk punishment.

• The kite must submit to the eagle or risk punishment.

• The eagle must submit to the kite or risk punishment.

• Predators and prey must be at peace or risk punishment.

What does this proverb mean?

A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing.

• A change in someone's behavior always means something good is coming.

• A change in someone's behavior always means something bad is coming.

• People need to challenge themselves in order to reap life's rewards.

• People only change their behaviors for a good reason.