Why Do Things Fall Apart In Igbo Culture

Okonkwo is a dynamic character, riddled as power-hungry and controlling due to the failures of his lazy and effeminate father, Unoka, before his death and his fear of becoming anything in likeness of him. In turn, his desire to be seen as manly in the culture that worships the trait is overwhelming. In this story, Okonkwo is almost the perfect communicator to state the ways of Igbo culture. The setting is near the town of Onitsha in the eastern region of Nigeria. As we enter our story, Okonkwo was revealed as the son of an untrustworthy, idle musician Unoka. Because of his father’s ways, Okonkwo is left with nothing in inheritance. However, Igbo culture believes that every man is given a clean slate regardless of what previous the family may
He immediately jumps to perform harder tasks than other boys around him at a young age and begins to gain regard. As time goes forward he is already “one of the greatest men of his time” at a young age. He eats with kings and elders, and his success could be attributed for his possessions of desired traits from traditional Igbo culture during this time to an extreme degree - manliness, hard-working, powerful, and respected. Okonkwo has an intense, overwhelming fear of anything in contrast of these traits, such as femininity, laziness, and affection. He is typically seen as emotionless, due to his fear of showing affection for it is not “manly”. Since he is male, he is also given an advantage as a decision maker and leader in the patriarchal society of Igbo culture. Other elements of Igbo culture, such as agriculture are well-described throughout the novel. Yams are frequently mentioned as they were the main crop during this time period. Palm and tree oil is also mentioned throughout the story as well. To be seen a prosperous and dominating, Okonkwo is also in a polygamous relationship with three wives and children by