`The Earth cannot punish me for obeying the messenger.’

1. Reaction to Ikemefuna’s death:

i) Unrest within Okonkwo manifests physically.

ii) The killing of Ikemefuna is symbolic of the killing of Nwoye. 

2.Obierika:

i) The importance of his refusal to obey the Oracle.

ii) The importance of his reason: `I had something better to do’.

iii) Acts as a foil for Okonkwo.

3. Tribal Customs:

i) Ritualistic and rigid.

ii) Duality of them: serene and harmonious. Holds the tribe together.

iii) Also uncertain and unclear. Cracks appearing when clan members question tribal customs. 

Learner Preparation for LESSON 21

1. Learners to read CHAPTER 9.

2. Learners to consider the following for discussion:

i) The importance of tribal beliefs to the Ibo people. 

ii) What Ezinma’s relationship with Okonkwo reveals about Okonkwo.