Question

unoka, for that was his father’s name, had died ten years ago. in his day he was lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow. if any money came his way, and it seldom did, he immediately bought gourds of palm - wine, called round his neighbors and made merry. he always said that whenever he saw a dead man’s mouth he saw the folly of not eating what one had in one’s lifetime. unoka was, of course, a debtor, and he owed every neighbor some money, from a few cowries to quite substantial amounts.

he was tall but very thin and had a slight stoop. he wore a haggard and mournful look except when he was drinking or playing on his flute. he was very good on his flute, and his happiest moments were the two or three moons after the harvest when the village musicians brought down their instruments, hung above the fireplace. unoka would play with them, his face beaming with blessedness and peace. sometimes another village would ask unoka’s band and their dancing egwugwu² to come and stay with them and teach them their tunes. they would go to such hosts for as long as three or four markets, making music and feasting. unoka loved the good fare and the good fellowship, and he loved this season of the year, when the rains had stopped and the sun rose every morning with dazzling beauty.

1. a very dry, dusty wind
2. one who impersonates an ancestral spirit

from chinua achebe, things fall apart, copyright 1959 by chinua achebe

based on the details in the passage, what is most likely true about how people in the community view okonkwo?

they feel safe around him and trust that he will protect the village.

they are intimidated by his power, and they fear his wrath.

they are competitive with him and look forward to challenging his strength.

they aspire to become strong, successful wrestlers like okonkwo.

Explanation:

To determine the community's view of Okonkwo, we analyze the options:

1. The first option ("They feel safe...") aligns with a positive, trusting perception, often associated with respected leaders in traditional communities.
2. The second option ("intimidated... fear his wrath") implies fear, which is not supported by the passage’s focus on Okonkwo’s role (implied as protective/trustworthy, not tyrannical).
3. The third option ("competitive... challenging his strength") suggests rivalry, but the passage does not hint at community members seeking to compete with him.
4. The fourth option ("aspire to become... wrestlers") focuses on emulating his wrestling, but the question is about broader community view, not just athletic aspiration.

The passage (from Things Fall Apart) portrays Okonkwo as a respected figure (implied by his father Unoka’s contrast, and Okonkwo’s role in the community). The first option best reflects a community that trusts his protection.

Answer:

They feel safe around him and trust that he will protect the village.