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Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe

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Student Question

What two philosophical questions does Uchendu pose in Things Fall Apart?

Quick answer:

Uchendu poses two philosophical questions: why the Igbo name their children "Nneka" meaning "Mother is Supreme," and why a woman is buried in her motherland among her own people. These questions highlight the importance of the feminine in Igbo culture and serve to teach Okonkwo about valuing these aspects, especially during his time of despair and exile. This dialogue occurs in Chapter 14.

Expert Answers

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Uchendu asks why the Igbo give their children the name 'Nneka' or 'Mother is Supreme'. He also asks why a woman is buried in her motherland, with her own people. Okoknwo can answer neither question, and Uchendu uses the dialogue as a means of teaching Okonkwo the value of the feminine in Igbo culture, and to help save him from his despair of exile.

The key chapter is 14.

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