Plot Events in TFA

Individually, select what you think are the three most important moments from your list of 7. Write a brief justification of your selection. Consider its importance to character, conflict, theme, and/or context.

Chapter 25: Okonkwo commits suicide

This event is of particular importance because it reveals the shift in Okonkwo’s character, from being one of the great men/elders of his clan to someone who no-one supports anymore. His unwillingness to be part of a village that does not stand up for their beliefs leads to his tragic flaw, which resulted in a disrespectful act towards the earth goddess, thus, revealing his depression and desperation. Since Okonkwo loved and respected his clan, he was distraught that things had fallen apart. This event also reveals the resolution of conflict and the concludes the story on the same note that is foreshadowed in the title.

Chapter 7: Okonkwo kills Ikemufuna

As revealed in previous chapters, the driving force in determining Okonkwo’s success is his fear of becoming his father. Despite his love and fondness of his adopted son, in order to demonstrate his strength and loyalty and respect to his clan and the Oracle he kills Ikemufuna. This reveals the characterisation of Okonkwo as  someone uncompromising and having deep respect for the clan and its prosperity. 

Chapter 4: Okonwko beats his wife and breaks the week of peace

This reveals the esteem the clan puts of their values and beliefs and how uncompromising they are. This contributes to the future conflict as it becomes a shock as to why this clan would compromise their principles in the face of the missionaries. Moreover, this event demonstrates Okonkwo’s impulsive and intolerant attitude.