`He had been cast out of his clan like a fish on to a dry, sandy beach, panting.’

1. Okonkwo’s seven-year-exile.

2. Obierika’s visits:

i) Link the Umuofia and Mbanta clans.

ii) Emphasise the homogeneity of  the clans.

3. Uchendu’s advice:

i) Reprimands Okonkwo for his despondency.

ii) Stresses the need for the balance between the female, nurturing aspects and the male, aggressive traits. 

iii) The possibility of Okonkwo’s healing from the exile. 

4. Okonkwo’s reaction to the advice:

i) Unable to accept the importance of the female principle.

ii)  Is unable to convert the exile into a learning/healing experience.

Learner Preparation for LESSON 31:

1. Learners to read CHAPTER 15.

2. Learners to consider the following for discussion:

i) Obierika’s role as the news-bearer.

ii) Cracks in the thinking and behaviour of the clan: