fall of okonkwo essays

fall of okonkwo essays In Chinua Achebes novel Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo has many character faults and imperfections. Okonkwos unmanageable anger and fears do not allow him to live a life of greatness. In Okonkwos Ibo tribe he is loved and feared. Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond...He brought honor to his tribe by throwing Amalinze the Cat... (3). In Okonkwos society, power is claimed by making a name for yourself, even if fame is reached through combat. Although honor is an important quality, when violence is used to obtain it, it becomes less respected and admirable. Prosperity was visible in his household... his own hut stood behind the only gate in the red walls. Each of his three wives had her own hut...long stacks of yams stood out prosperously in the barn... Okonkwo offers prayers on the behalf of himself, his three wives, and eight children. (14) Okonkwos dedication to his family and his crops is similar to his ability to kill, which gives him power. Okonkwo influences everyone around him to take part in hard labor like he does. Having such a large family gives Okonkwo pride as head supporter of the family. Okonkwo had a fear of failure which I believe was influenced by his father and eventually conquered him. Okonkwos father had a reputation of being poor and his wife and children had just barely enough to eat...they swore never to lend him any more money because he never paid back. (5) In Umuofia, a father is supposed to teach children values. Right and wrong were not taught. Okonkwo taught himself that a superior person was a reverse of who his father was. Because of Okonkwos fear to be seen as weak, he even kills a child that calls him father. He heard Ikemefuna cry my father, they have killed me!... Okonkwo draws his machete and... cuts him down... He does not want to be though weak. (61)...