50 MCQS – Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe
Hello, before diving into the 50 Mcqs on Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, let us go through a brief introduction to the novel.
Brief Introduction:
“Things Fall Apart” is a novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, first published in 1958. It is considered one of the most important works of African literature. The novel is set in a small village in Nigeria in the late 19th century and follows the life of Okonkwo, a respected leader and wrestler in the Umuofia clan.
Okonkwo is determined to overcome the legacy of his father, who was considered weak and effeminate. Okonkwo becomes a wealthy farmer with three wives and several children through hard work and determination. However, his fear of failure and weakness drives him to make several rash and cruel decisions.
Here are the 50 MCQS on the novel “Things Fall Apart”:
Q 1. What is the title of Chinua Achebe’s most famous novel?
A) Arrow of God B) Things Fall Apart
C) No Longer at Ease D) A Man of the People
Answer: B) Things Fall Apart
Q 2. When was “Things Fall Apart” first published?
A) 1945 B) 1958 C) 1965 D) 1973
Answer: B) 1958
Q 3. What is the setting of “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Nigeria during the pre-colonial era B) Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising
C) South Africa during apartheid D) Ghana during independence
Answer: A) Nigeria during the pre-colonial era
Q 4. What major historical event serves as the backdrop for “Things Fall Apart”?
A) The American Civil War B) The Indian Independence Movement
C) The European colonization of Africa D) The French Revolution
Answer: C) The European colonization of Africa
Q 5. What themes are prominent in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Colonialism, cultural clash, and masculinity B) Love, betrayal, and revenge
C) Political corruption, power struggles, and justice D) Supernatural elements and magical realism
Answer: A) Colonialism, cultural clash, and masculinity
Q 6. What is the protagonist’s name in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Okonkwo B) Nwoye C) Obierika D) Ekwefi
Answer: A) Okonkwo
Q 7. What is Okonkwo’s primary occupation in the novel?
A) Farmer B) Trader C) Warrior D) Priest
Answer: A) Farmer
Q 8. What is the title of the sequel to “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Arrow of God B) No Longer at Ease
C) A Man of the People D) Anthills of the Savannah
Answer: B) No Longer at Ease
Q 9. Who is the author of “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Chinua Achebe B) Wole Soyinka
C) Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o D) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Answer: A) Chinua Achebe
Q 10. What is the significance of the title “Things Fall Apart”?
A) It represents the collapse of traditional Igbo society under colonialism.
B) It symbolizes the disintegration of Okonkwo’s family.
C) It reflects the inevitability of change and decay.
D) It suggests the fragile nature of human civilization.
Answer: A) It represents the collapse of traditional Igbo society under colonialism
Q 11. What role does the character Ikemefuna play in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) He is Okonkwo’s best friend.
B) He is Okonkwo’s eldest son.
C) He is a hostage given to Okonkwo’s village as part of a peace settlement.
D) He is a powerful spiritual leader.
Answer: C) He is a hostage given to Okonkwo’s village as part of a peace settlement.
Q 12. Which religious faith is introduced to Okonkwo’s village in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Christianity B) Islam C) Hinduism D) Buddhism
Answer: A) Christianity
Q 13. What is the fate of Okonkwo at the end of “Things Fall Apart”?
A) He is killed during a conflict with colonial authorities.
B) He commits suicide in disgrace.
C) He becomes a successful merchant and leaves his village.
D) He is exiled from his village and becomes a wanderer.
Answer: B) He commits suicide in disgrace.
Q 14. Which literary device is prominently used in “Things Fall Apart” to convey Igbo culture?
A) Symbolism B) Allegory C) Satire D) Irony
Answer: A) Symbolism
Q 15. What is the significance of the character Ezinma in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) She represents the epitome of Igbo womanhood and strength.
B) She serves as a symbol of hope and redemption.
C) She is Okonkwo’s favorite daughter and heir.
D) She is a tragic figure whose life mirrors Okonkwo’s struggles.
Answer: A) She represents the epitome of Igbo womanhood and strength.
Q 16. What is the role of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves in Igbo society?
A) It serves as the highest religious authority.
B) It provides guidance and prophetic visions.
C) It oversees judicial proceedings and resolves disputes.
D) It represents the ancestral spirits of the clan.
Answer: B) It provides guidance and prophetic visions.
Q 17. What is the symbolic meaning of the egwugwu in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They represent the spiritual authority of the elders.
B) They embody the power of the colonial administration.
C) They serve as the enforcers of traditional justice.
D) They symbolize the clash between traditional and modern beliefs.
Answer: D) They symbolize the clash between traditional and modern beliefs.
Q 18. What is the significance of the wrestling matches in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They showcase Okonkwo’s physical prowess and dominance.
B) They serve as a form of entertainment for the villagers.
C) They demonstrate the importance of physical strength and bravery in Igbo culture.
D) They symbolize the unity and solidarity of the community.
Answer: C) They demonstrate the importance of physical strength and bravery in Igbo culture.
Q 19. What is the role of women in Igbo society as depicted in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They have little influence and are relegated to domestic duties.
B) They hold significant power and authority within the family structure.
C) They are equal partners in decision-making and governance.
D) They are primarily responsible for religious rituals and ceremonies.
Answer: A) They have little influence and are relegated to domestic duties.
Q 20. How does Chinua Achebe depict colonialism in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As a liberating force that brings progress and development to the Igbo people.
B) As a destructive force that disrupts traditional ways of life and causes cultural disintegration.
C) As a benign presence that coexists harmoniously with indigenous cultures.
D) As an opportunity for social mobility and advancement for the protagonist.
Answer: B) As a destructive force that disrupts traditional ways of life and causes cultural disintegration.
Q 21. Which of the following literary techniques does Chinua Achebe employ in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Stream of consciousness B) Flashback
C) Alliteration D) Foreshadowing
Answer: D) Foreshadowing
Q 22. What is the primary language of “Things Fall Apart”?
A) English B) Igbo C) Yoruba D) Hausa
Answer: A) English
Q 23. Which of the following best describes Chinua Achebe’s writing style in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Dense and ornate prose B) Simple and straightforward language
C) Flowery and poetic descriptions D) Abstract and philosophical discourse
Answer: B) Simple and straightforward language
Q 24. What was Chinua Achebe’s primary motivation for writing “Things Fall Apart”?
A) To provide an insider’s perspective on African culture and society.
B) To critique the colonial legacy and its impact on African communities.
C) To explore universal themes of human nature and identity.
D) To entertain readers with a gripping tale of adventure and romance.
Answer: A) To provide an insider’s perspective on African culture and society.
Q 25. What is the significance of the title “Things Fall Apart” to Igbo cosmology?
A) It reflects the cyclical nature of the universe and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
B) It symbolizes the breakdown of traditional norms and values in the face of colonialism.
C) It signifies the inevitability of change and the impermanence of human achievements.
D) It represents the fragmentation of society and the loss of cultural identity.
Answer: C) It signifies the inevitability of change and the impermanence of human achievements.
Q 26. What is the role of oral tradition in Igbo society as depicted in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) It serves as a means of entertainment and storytelling.
B) It is the primary mode of education and transmission of cultural values.
C) It is used for religious rituals and ceremonies.
D) It is a form of political propaganda and manipulation.
Answer: B) It is the primary mode of education and transmission of cultural values.
Q 27. What is the fate of Okonkwo’s son, Nwoye, in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) He becomes a successful businessman and rises in social status.
B) He joins the Christian missionaries and converts to Christianity.
C) He becomes a respected warrior and leader in his father’s footsteps.
D) He is killed in a conflict with neighbouring tribes.
Answer: B) He joins the Christian missionaries and converts to Christianity.
Q 28. How does Chinua Achebe depict the relationship between fathers and sons in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As a source of strength and mutual respect
B) As a constant source of conflict and tension
C) As a bond strengthened by shared experiences and traditions
D) As a symbol of patriarchal oppression and domination
Answer: B) As a constant source of conflict and tension
Q 29. What role do the drums play in Igbo culture as depicted in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They are used for communication over long distances.
B) They symbolize the heartbeat of the community and its collective spirit.
C) They serve as musical instruments for entertainment and ceremonies.
D) They are sacred objects used in religious rituals and sacrifices.
Answer: B) They symbolize the heartbeat of the community and its collective spirit.
Q 30. What is the significance of the character Unoka in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) He is Okonkwo’s father, who is a lazy and unsuccessful man.
B) He is the village priest who holds spiritual authority.
C) He is a powerful warrior and leader admired by all.
D) He is a wise elder who guides Okonkwo through life’s challenges.
Answer: A) He is Okonkwo’s father, who is a lazy and unsuccessful man.
Q 31. What literary device is exemplified by the phrase “the white man’s burden” in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) Metaphor B) Simile C) Alliteration D) Personification
Answer: A) Metaphor
Q 32. What is the role of religion in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) It provides a sense of purpose and meaning to the characters’ lives.
B) It serves as a tool for social control and manipulation.
C) It fosters unity and cooperation among the villagers.
D) It is depicted as a source of division and conflict.
Answer: D) It is depicted as a source of division and conflict.
Q 33. How does Chinua Achebe portray women in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As passive and submissive to male authority
B) As powerful and influential members of society
C) As victims of patriarchal oppression
D) As independent and self-reliant individuals
Answer: A) As passive and submissive to male authority
Q 34. What is the significance of the palm oil market in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) It symbolizes economic prosperity and trade in the village.
B) It represents the villagers’ connection to their cultural heritage.
C) It serves as a meeting place for social interaction and gossip.
D) It is a source of conflict and rivalry among neighbouring villages.
Answer: C) It serves as a meeting place for social interaction and gossip.
Q 35. How does Chinua Achebe depict the arrival of missionaries in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As a welcome relief from the hardships of traditional religion
B) As a peaceful exchange of ideas and beliefs
C) As a disruptive force that undermines indigenous culture and society
D) As a transformative experience that brings enlightenment and progress
Answer: C) As a disruptive force that undermines indigenous culture and society
Q 36. What is the significance of the wrestling match between Okonkwo’s village and their neighbors?
A) It serves as a metaphor for the struggle between tradition and change.
B) It represents the physical strength and prowess of the Igbo people.
C) It symbolizes the unity and cooperation among neighbouring communities.
D) It foreshadows the impending conflict with colonial forces.
Answer: A) It serves as a metaphor for the struggle between tradition and change.
Q 37. What is the role of the protagonist, Okonkwo in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) He is a visionary leader who brings about positive change in his community.
B) He is a tragic hero whose flaws lead to his downfall.
C) He is a passive observer who witnesses the destruction of his village.
D) He is a cunning strategist who outsmarts his enemies.
Answer: B) He is a tragic hero whose flaws lead to his downfall.
Q 38. How does Chinua Achebe explore the theme of masculinity in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) By depicting men as dominant and powerful figures in society
B) By contrasting Okonkwo’s aggressive masculinity with alternative models of manhood
C) By portraying men as emotionally sensitive and vulnerable individuals
D) By challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity
Answer: B) By contrasting Okonkwo’s aggressive masculinity with alternative models of manhood
Q 39. What is the role of the ancestors in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They serve as intermediaries between the living and the dead.
B) They provide guidance and protection to their descendants.
C) They are revered and honoured through rituals and sacrifices.
D) They represent the collective wisdom and heritage of the community.
Answer: C) They are revered and honoured through rituals and sacrifices.
Q 40. How does Chinua Achebe depict the Igbo concept of chi in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As a personal god that guides and protects each individual
B) As a universal force that governs destiny and fate
C) As a social institution that reinforces hierarchy and status
D) As a mythical creature with supernatural powers
Answer: A) As a personal god that guides and protects each individual
Q 41. What is the significance of the locusts in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They symbolize the devastation brought about by colonialism.
B) They represent the cyclical nature of life and death.
C) They serve as a metaphor for the invasion of foreign cultures.
D) They foreshadow the coming of the missionaries.
Answer: C) They serve as a metaphor for the invasion of foreign cultures.
Q 42. What is the role of the District Commissioner in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) He is a benevolent ruler who brings order and progress to the region.
B) He is a symbol of colonial authority and oppression.
C) He is a mediator between the villagers and the colonial administration.
D) He is a religious leader who converts the villagers to Christianity.
Answer: B) He is a symbol of colonial authority and oppression.
Q 43. What is the significance of the wrestling festival in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) It celebrates the harvest season and gives thanks to the gods.
B) It marks the beginning of the planting season and invokes fertility rituals.
C) It showcases the strength and bravery of young men in the community.
D) It commemorates the village’s founding and ancestral heritage.
Answer: C) It showcases the strength and bravery of young men in the community.
Q 44. How does Chinua Achebe depict the relationship between the individual and society in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As harmonious and mutually beneficial B) As conflicted and fraught with tension
C) As hierarchical and authoritarian D) As fluid and constantly evolving
Answer: B) As conflicted and fraught with tension
Q 45. What is the role of the medicine man, or dibia, in Igbo society?
A) He is a religious leader who performs rituals and sacrifices.
B) He is a healer who treats physical and spiritual ailments.
C) He is a political advisor who counsels the village chief.
D) He is a warrior who protects the village from evil spirits.
Answer: B) He is a healer who treats physical and spiritual ailments.
Q 46. How does Chinua Achebe explore the theme of tradition versus change in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) By depicting the clash between indigenous and foreign cultures
B) By emphasizing the importance of preserving ancestral customs and beliefs
C) By showing how colonialism disrupts traditional ways of life
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Q 47. What is the role of the drums in Igbo society as depicted in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) They are used for communication and storytelling.
B) They represent the heartbeat of the community and its collective spirit.
C) They accompany religious rituals and ceremonies.
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Q 48. How does Chinua Achebe depict the relationship between the individual and the natural world in “Things Fall Apart”?
A) As one of harmony and mutual respect B) As one of domination and exploitation
C) As one of fear and superstition D) As one of indifference and detachment
Answer: A) As one of harmony and mutual respect
Q 49. What is the significance of the title “Things Fall Apart” in the context of the novel’s ending?
A) It symbolizes the disintegration of Okonkwo’s life and dreams.
B) It reflects the collapse of Igbo society under colonial rule.
C) It signifies the destruction of traditional values and beliefs.
D) It suggests the inevitability of change and decay.
Answer: A) It symbolizes the disintegration of Okonkwo’s life and dreams.
Q 50. What is Chinua Achebe’s legacy in African literature?
A) He is considered the father of modern African literature.
B) He paved the way for other African writers to gain international recognition.
C) He challenged stereotypes about Africa and its people through his writing.
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above