Okonkwo's Actions In Things Fall Apart
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s actions can justify why he is an ambitious and intense leader that uses fear to control his followers. His fear tactic was also applied in his family life. In the novel, Okonkwo expresses multiple times how he does not want to be like his father; who was lazy and unsuccessful. Having this detached relationship as a child influenced him to treat his children and wives with aggression. For example, when Nwoye, his son, joined the church, Okonkwo was so enraged by it that he physically abused him. This resulted in his children and wives to do everything he said because they feared for their safety. I believe that the lack of affection that was giving to him as child had an impact on his behavior. If he had someone
who cared for him, it might have influenced him to treat people with respect. His pride was also a contributing factor of his extreme leadership. Okonkwo was obsessed with his image and what people thought of him. He did not want to be considered weak, like his father. So, when he was dealt with the challenge to kill Ikemefuna he proceeded and did the action. Achebe even states, “He [Okonkwo] was afraid of being thought weak”(Achebe 61). Continuing with improving his image, he treated his family as if he was superior to them. When he accused one of his wives of killing the banana tree he assaulted her as a punishment. He wanted his followers to look up to him and was willing to do anything to prove that he was powerful. I think Achebe created this character to express the tragic hero. Okonkwo had many flaws, but he also had leadership qualities. Many stories have the traditional hero that save the day but this story it was not the case, in fact, it allowed the readers to decide which side they were on. The readers might sympathizes him for having a poor childhood but they also might be against him for his aggressive behavior.
who cared for him, it might have influenced him to treat people with respect. His pride was also a contributing factor of his extreme leadership. Okonkwo was obsessed with his image and what people thought of him. He did not want to be considered weak, like his father. So, when he was dealt with the challenge to kill Ikemefuna he proceeded and did the action. Achebe even states, “He [Okonkwo] was afraid of being thought weak”(Achebe 61). Continuing with improving his image, he treated his family as if he was superior to them. When he accused one of his wives of killing the banana tree he assaulted her as a punishment. He wanted his followers to look up to him and was willing to do anything to prove that he was powerful. I think Achebe created this character to express the tragic hero. Okonkwo had many flaws, but he also had leadership qualities. Many stories have the traditional hero that save the day but this story it was not the case, in fact, it allowed the readers to decide which side they were on. The readers might sympathizes him for having a poor childhood but they also might be against him for his aggressive behavior.