Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Part 1, Chapter 9

Summary

In Chapter 9 of Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart,' Okonkwo is alerted by Ekwifi that their daughter, Azueme, is gravely ill. Ekwifi's troubled past of losing nine children influences her desperation. Okonkwo, traditionally stoic, shows affection by rushing to gather medicine for Azueme, who symbolizes hope as the first child to survive infancy. The narrative delves into Igbo beliefs regarding childhood mortality, particularly the concept of Obanje—spirits that die and return to cause sorrow. Azueme's recent sickness raises questions about the earlier cure's effectiveness, underscoring the weight of cultural beliefs in the face of loss.

Takeaways

• 😀 Okonkwo's reaction to A Zima's illness reveals his underlying affection for his children despite his stoic demeanor.
• 😀 Equity's history of losing nine children contributes to her deep anxiety and bitterness, shaping her perspective on motherhood.
• 😀 The concept of Obon Jay in Igbo culture highlights the community's beliefs about childhood mortality and the connection between the living and the spirit world.
• 😀 A Zima's previous health issues and the actions of the medicine man demonstrate the complexities of traditional healing practices in the Igbo community.
• 😀 Okonkwo's efforts to collect ingredients and prepare medicine for A Zima show a significant moment of emotional vulnerability.
• 😀 The fear surrounding A Zima's potential as an Obon Jay reflects the community's struggles with grief and loss.
• 😀 The destruction of the stone associated with A Zima's previous illness illustrates the intersection of belief and ritual in Igbo culture.
• 😀 The pressure on A Zima and Equity underscores the societal expectations placed on mothers regarding the survival of their children.
• 😀 Okonkwo's internal conflict regarding masculinity and emotion is highlighted in his response to family crises.
• 😀 The uncertainty regarding A Zima's illness challenges the previous cures and invites questions about the efficacy of traditional beliefs.

Q & A

What event prompts Okonkwo to react with urgency?

Okonkwo reacts urgently when Equi Bangs on his door, panicking and shouting that a Zima is dying.

Who is Equi, and what significance does she hold in a Zima's life?

Equi is the mother of a Zima and is central to her mother's world, having lost nine children before a Zima was born.

What illness is a Zima suffering from, and how does Okonkwo respond?

A Zima is suffering from a fever, and Okonkwo quickly gathers ingredients to make medicine for her.

What cultural belief is associated with children who die young in the story?

The Ebo people believe that children who die young may be Obon Jay, spirits that can re-enter their mother's womb and cause grief.

What was done to a Zima’s deceased sibling, and why?

A Zima’s deceased sibling was mutilated by a medicine man and buried in the evil forest to sever ties with the Obon Jay spirit.

What significant event happened a year ago concerning a Zima's health?

A respected medicine man determined that a Zima must be an Obon Jay, leading to a search for a stone linked to her spirit, which was ultimately destroyed.

How does Equi's past with her lost children affect her response to a Zima's illness?

Equi's history of losing children creates a sense of anxiety and fear regarding a Zima's health, intensifying her worries when her daughter falls ill.

What does Okonkwo's behavior during a Zima's illness reveal about his character?

Okonkwo's actions show a deep affection for his daughter, contrasting with his usual repression of emotions, highlighting his caring side.

What does the destruction of the stone symbolize in relation to a Zima's well-being?

The destruction of the stone symbolizes the severance of a Zima's connection to the Obon Jay spirit, suggesting she should remain healthy and in the world of the living.

Why does Equi question the previous cure for a Zima's health issues?

Equi questions the previous cure because a Zima's new illness raises doubts about the effectiveness of the remedy that was believed to have resolved her health issues.