TFA Chapter 1

Read the sentence from Chapter 1:
"Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements."

What does the word "achievements" most likely mean in this context?

• Friendships he developed

• Successes he earned

• Stories he told

• Possessions he acquired

Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of Chapter 1?

• Okonkwo struggles with the legacy of his father and strives for respect in the clan.

• The villagers celebrate the arrival of the locusts and prepare for their harvest.

• The village council meets to settle disputes between neighboring clans.

• Okonkwo’s success is attributed entirely to his wealth and physical strength.

In Chapter 1, Achebe describes Unoka, Okonkwo’s father, as “lazy and improvident and quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow.”

What effect does this description have on the reader’s understanding of Okonkwo?

• It highlights Okonkwo's similarities to his father.

• It explains Okonkwo’s determination to be the opposite of his father.

• It reveals that Okonkwo inherited his father’s flaws.

• It suggests that Okonkwo has no desire to achieve greatness.

Based on Okonkwo’s reaction to Unoka’s failures, what can the reader infer about his character?

• He values tradition and follows his father’s example.

• He feels ashamed of his father and works hard to avoid a similar reputation.

• He views his father’s actions with humor and seeks to honor his memory.

• He dismisses the importance of personal achievement in the clan.

Achebe begins the novel with a description of Okonkwo’s achievements, stating, “He was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look.”

Why does the author begin the story this way?

• To show the importance of physical appearance in Igbo culture

• To immediately establish Okonkwo as a powerful and respected figure

• To contrast Okonkwo’s personality with his father’s

• To provide a humorous introduction to Okonkwo’s character