Okonko In Things Fall Apart

Like any other man, Okonko wanted to be seen as strong not weak. Okonko’s father was wasn't well respected and was seen as weak since he often borrowed money from others and his family often went hungry. “That was years ago, when he was young. Unoka, the grown-up, was a failure. He was poor and his wife and children had barely enough to eat. People laughed at him, because he was a loafer, and they swore never to lend him any more money because he never paid back. But Unoka was such a man that he always succeeded in borrowing money, and pilling up in debts.” (Achebe) So when Okonko defeated Amalinze the Cat, he brought honor to his village. Okonko earning his honor meant a lot to him, now in his village he was seen as strong and powerful. Okonko wanted to be a hardworking man and not a lazy, wasteful man. So Okonko had no patience with of those two characteristics. “He had no patience with unsuccessful men. He had had no
So, since Okonko doesn't want to be seen as weak, he takes control of his household in a very strict which cause fear among his wives and children. “Okonkwo learned to hate everything his father loved, including gentleness as well as idleness.” (Achebe). When Okonkwo starts to see that his son, Nwoye, is showing signs of behavior that reminds him of his father he starts to beat him. “He also sees signs of laziness in his son Nwoye. To purge himself of the reminder of his father, Okonkwo nags and beats Nwoye daily.” (Achebe) You can see that Okonkwo has a very strong hatred for his father characteristics or any qualities of his father that Okonkwo rules his family with fear and strict lifestyle. His wives are to take care of the household and he works long hours on the farm.” He works long hours on the farm and expects to do the same. Although the members of his family do not possess his strength, they work without complaint.”