This study guide is designed to help students comprehend and analyze the novel by the same name. It is divided into three parts: basic comprehension questions, discussion questions that invlove more critical thinking, and extended activities and research suggestions. The answers for the questions are included.

The narrative recounts the sad story of Okonkwo, a powerful, strong leader among his people, whose life is dominated by fear and anger as a result of the colonial European government and its religion that is undermining everything he has worked for. Through of series of events and tragedies, Okonkwo is exiled. While in exile, he participates in a rebellion against the colonial powers and eventually hangs himself. The novel is the most widely read example of modern African literature and is considered a balanced view of the effects of European expansion in Africa from an African’s perspective. It was said to be written in response to Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and similar novels that presented the continent as dark and backward.

The novel by Chinua Achebe is sold separately. The study guide and the novel are appropriate for a credited course in World literature.