In Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo is self made, powerful, and violent. Contrary to his external masculinity, the man’s life is dictated by internal fear. Okonkwo is emotionally damaged by his father’s life. Consequently, he acts in the opposite manner of his father in fear of becoming like him one day. Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, was gentle and peaceful, causing endless anger in Okonkwo and violence towards every person in his life. Okonwko justifies his violence with the notion that he has self made his success without the help of his father so he can be aggressive and militant. Okonkwo beats his wife on the most peaceful week of the year and is berated by the Priest. “Your wife was at fault, but even if you came into your obi and found her lover on top of her you would still …show more content…
Okwanko attempts to work hard to provide for his family all the while making sure his sons do not have feminine qualities like he believed Unoka had. His hard work is respected by the village and he is viewed as a leader by his success. Although the village respects his strength, many do not condone his lack of kindness and rudeness towards the inferior. At a meeting, Okanwko tells a poor man that the meeting “is for men.” Okanwko defines the poorer man as “feminine” because he does not have a title, classifying him as inferior. The men at the meeting force him to apologize and say “Those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble” This African Proverb essentially means that people that are blessed with success merely based on luck, must be grateful and humble, and not criticize others that are less lucky. His urge to make others feel inferior illustrates his own insecurities and fears about becoming what he hates most. The relationship he had with his father defines every aspect of his life, hindering every relationship he has had including with his wives and