Things Fall Apart: Key Quotes Chapters 7-9

Key Quotes: Chapters 7-9

Identity and Reputation

“It was only this year that the boy had noticed it. He wished he had not.” (Chapter 7)
- This quote centers on Nwoye, Okonkwo’s eldest son, beginning to question the traditions and customs of Umuofia with regards to Ikemefuna’s death.
- The identity and reputation of Nwoye are shifting as he develops his own sense of reason and justice.

Loss and Sacrifice

“He heard Ikemefuna cry, ‘My father, they have killed me!’” (Chapter 7)
- This quote captures the tragedy of Ikemefuna’s death and the terrible sacrifice carried out in the name of custom and tradition.
” Ezinma, who will not stay at home?” Okonkwo asked sadly, more to himself than to another.” (Chapter 9)
- This quote reveals Okonkwo’s deep loss and sadness at the thought of losing his daughter Ezinma, whom he sees as the perfect offspring, despite the irony she is a girl.

Tradition and Rebellion

“Nwoye did not fully understand. But he was beginning to.” (Chapter 7)
- This quote reveals Nwoye’s growth as he begins to question the tribal customs, marking the beginning of his rebellion against traditional ways.
“If the Oracle said that my son should be killed I would neither dispute it nor be the one to do it.” (Chapter 7)
- Okonkwo asserts his unquestioning devotion to tradition and the Oracle’s command, even if it caused him to sacrifice his adoptive son, Ikemefuna.

Strength and Weakness

“Okonkwo stood looking at the dead man. He knew that Umuofia would not go to war.” (Chapter 9)
- This quote represents Okonkwo’s dismay at the weakness he perceives in his community, foreshadowing his future difficulties with the colonisers.

These quotes provide key insight into prevalent themes in the book, and analysing their significance can deepen understanding of the narrative, characterisation, and underlying messages in the novel, “Things Fall Apart”.