In the novel, Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo's motivation for hard work is fueled by his hatred for “unsuccessful men” like his father. The “fear of his father’s contemptible life and shameful death” will prove to be a major character flaw (Achebe, 2017, p.18). Okonkwo has this perception that the people of Umuofia will think of him “less of a man” if he does not conform to the “manly” deeds …show more content…
As the news of “albinos” spreads throughout Umuofia, Okonkwo rejected the idea of other cultural influence on the Igbo people. Nwoye “... was a young lad who had been captivated” (Achebe, 2017, p.147). Okonkwo’s eldest, Nwoye was intrigued by the “new Trinity,” he, Nwoye, joined the missionaries who had established churches and began to spread the teachings “about this new God” (Achebe, 2017, p.145). When Okonkwo found out about the actions of his son, Okonkwo “suddenly overcome with fury, sprang to his feet and gripped him [Nwoye] by the neck” (Achebe, 2017, p.151). Okonkwo’s hatred of “unsuccessful men” fed to his beliefs that followers of another faith unknown to the Igbo people were unacceptable. Okonkwo's beliefs further destroyed the relationship between himself and his son,