Table of Contents
- 1 What does the proverb as a man danced so the drums were beaten for him mean?
- 2 What does the proverb You can tell a ripe corn by its look mean?
- 3 What does the proverb I Cannot live on the bank of a river and wash my hands with spittle mean?
- 4 Why are proverbs important in the Igbo culture?
- 5 What is the significance of the three proverbs in chapter one?
- 6 What is the significance of Okoye’s use of proverbs in this context?
- 7 Why does Okoye paint his toe?
- 8 How does Achebe use proverbs in things fall apart?
What does the proverb as a man danced so the drums were beaten for him mean?
Chapter 22 Proverbs. “As a man danced so the drums were beaten for him.” Meaning the drums wasn’t beating to the way he moves . Chapter 24 Proverbs. “Men have learned to shoot without missing their mark and I have learned to fly without perching on a twig.”
What does the proverb You can tell a ripe corn by its look mean?
Nwakibie responds with another proverb: ‘You can tell a ripe corn by its look. ‘ Nwakibie means that he can judge Okonkwo’s character by his appearance and demeanor, so he trusts him enough to give him the yams to plant.
What does as the dog said if I fall down for you and you fall down for me it is play mean?
“If I fall down for you and you fall down for me, it is play.” (Chapter 8) Context: Negotiating the bride price for Obierika’s daughter. Meaning: In a negotiation, both people need to give.
What does the proverb I Cannot live on the bank of a river and wash my hands with spittle mean?
I cannot live on the bank of a river and wash my hands with spittle. One must act according to one’s fortune and circumstances. a child can not pay for his mother’s milk. there are things that one is graced with that come at no cost. These things cannot be cheapened by putting a value on them.
Why are proverbs important in the Igbo culture?
Proverbs are used by people of all ages and statures to tell others about the importance of something. People in the Igbo Tribe use proverbs everyday as they are an important part of their culture and traditions, and the art of conversation is regarded very highly throughout the clan.
What are proverbs in the Igbo culture?
Proverbs are the wisdom of a people in a nutshell. Complex stories and situations are concentrated in a few words and phrases which capture and retain the essential meaning of the experiences from which they derive.
What is the significance of the three proverbs in chapter one?
“Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten” (Chapter 1). Basically, this one means that proverbs are an essentially words of wisdom. “If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings” (Chapter 1).
What is the significance of Okoye’s use of proverbs in this context?
In Okoye’s case, proverbs enable him to address the subject of debt indirectly. Using less direct language reduces the risk that his words will offend Unoka and shut down dialogue. The indirectness of proverbs also serves as a reminder that they do no express the opinion of a single individual.
Why is obiageli nwoye’s sister crying?
Obiageli, Nwoye’s sister, is crying because she broke her water pot.
Why does Okoye paint his toe?
It symbolizes peace in the Ibo culture. One would mainly see chalk tandomed with a kola nut. “Okoye, meanwhile, took the lump of chalk, drew some lines on the floor, and then painted his big toe nail (6).” Breaking a kola nut with a guest was a typical Ibo tradition that was very closely followed.
How does Achebe use proverbs in things fall apart?
From Things Fall Apart, it is not only evident that proverbs are a component of Igbo linguistic features. Achebe suggests proverbs are also used as a device with specific effects: they help in defining characters, clarifying issues not overtly stated and enriching the process of conversation.
What does the proverb since men have learned without missing the bird has learned to fly without perching mean?
“Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching” (Chapter 3). Basically, someone must know how hard someone worked for something in order to respect the property themselves.