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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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