Understanding Okonkwo's Challenges and Decisions

In Chapter 23 of 'Things Fall Apart', Okonkwo feels a rare happiness as he believes the clan is returning to its warrior roots. He convinces the men of Amwofia to arm themselves. However, when Okonkwo and others meet the district commissioner, they are tricked and arrested. The prisoners are mistreated, and the men of Amwofia decide to pay a fine to appease the British. Okonkwo reflects on the past respect he once commanded, but the British do not see the Igbo as equals, leading to a stark contrast with previous interactions. The district commissioner is condescending, and the court messengers are cruel, highlighting the injustice faced by the clan.

What feeling does Okonkwo experience for the first time in many years?

• Confusion

• Fear

• Anger

• Happiness

Why do Okonkwo and the others bring machetes to the district commissioner's office?

• To show their strength

• To protect themselves

• Because it is customary

• To intimidate the commissioner

What happens to Okonkwo and the others at the district commissioner's office?

• They are welcomed warmly

• They are given gifts

• They are handcuffed

• They are ignored

How are the prisoners treated by the court messengers?

• With kindness

• With indifference

• With cruelty

• With respect

What decision do the men of Amwofia make after learning about the fine?

• To pay the fine

• To flee the village

• To fight back

• To ignore the fine

What does Okonkwo reflect on after the clan destroys the church?

• The loss of his family

• The beauty of nature

• The return of the past

• The power of the British

How does the district commissioner view the Igbo people?

• As equals

• As friends

• As inferiors

• As allies

What role does the district commissioner assume during the meeting?

• Participant

• Observer

• Judge and jury

• Mediator

What do the court messengers do with the fine imposed on the clansmen?

• They inflate it

• They return it

• They donate it

• They ignore it

How are the court messengers described in relation to the criminals they deal with?

• Less cruel

• Notably worse

• Equally corrupt

• More just