The answer you seek is “the practice of having two or more husbands”
In the first part of the novel "Things Fall Apart" , written by Achebe, the author narrates the events in an objective way, without giving personal opinion of showing feelings and symphathy. The readers are given with the possibility to provide the text with his or her own emotions. The readers also have the decision about the characters. It is through the readers' perspective wheter the characters are estimable or even if their behaviour is justified. This purely objective tone appears through out all the first part of tve text. The tone in the first part is also supported by the use of native fables, parables and words which gives the story a rustic and quaint tone. It is towards the end when the author, Achebe, starts showing feelings towards the Umuofia.
In the context of an adjective used to describe pain, we can look at the answer choices:
Silent pain seems like an odd choice for someone to notify a doctor about, so that is probably not the answer.
Thoughtful does not describe pain.
Responsive does not describe pain.
Severe pain would be a reason for someone to notify a doctor, so this is likely the correct answer choice.