Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart - Part One, Chapter Six

Key Events

• Villagers gather at the ehlo (village square) for wrestling matches.
• Early matches feature boys aged 15-16.
• One match particularly excites the crowd, including Okonkwo.
• Maduka, son of Okonkwo's friend Obierika, wins the match.

Discussion During Intermission

• Ekwefi speaks with her friend Chielo.
  • Chielo is a widow with two children and the priestess of Agbala.
  • Chielo is fond of Ezinma and inquires about her.
  • Ekwefi mentions that Ezinma might stay (live long).
  • Chielo notes that children usually stay if they survive past the age of six.

Primary Wrestling Match

• A lengthy and intense match.
• Ends with one wrestler making a tactical mistake and losing.

Okonkwo's Connection to Wrestling

• Okonkwo enjoys watching the wrestling matches.
• Wrestling relates to his personal history and achievements.
• It relaxes and invigorates him.

Cultural Reflections

• Seating arrangement at the matches: men on stools in front, women in the back.
• Reflects the patriarchal nature of Umuofia society.
• Highlights the separation and inequality of sexes in the culture.