The novel “things fall apart” is about the fatal demise of Okonkwo and the igbo culture of Umuofia. Okonkwo is well known and respected leader in his community, who is successful in everything he does, such as wrestling and farming. He is quick with his hands and takes pride in his accomplishments. Okonkwo’s family relationship makes him a sympathetic character because of his support and an unsympathetic character because of his cruelty. In many ways Okonkwo showed that he had no sympathy for others , However at times he could be sympathetic. “ And so so at a very early age when he was striving desperately to build a barn through share-cropping Okonkwo was also fending for his father 's house¨(Achebe Pg. #22). Okonkwo provided and supported …show more content…
¨He had no patience with unsuccessful men, He had no patience with his father¨(Achebe Pg. #4). Okonkwo does not tolerate men who had no title or who were lazy, including his father. He was so unsympathetic and full of his own priorities that he had no patience for his own father. This shows that he has no sympathy for people who are considered less of him. No matter the circumstances he does not want to deal with them. ¨His wives especially the youngest lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his children¨(Achebe Pg. #10). When Okonkwo got angry he would use his fists. He was known for having a temper and getting angry. It was so bad that even his children were scared of him. This quote shows that he can be unsympathetic towards his wives and children because instead of listening to them he chose to act out. They feel as if they have to be very careful of what they say because there might be a chance that he will hurt them.
In conclusion Okonkwo overall is an unsympathetic person, However at time he could be sympathetic. He showed his sympathy by providing for his family and Ikemefuna. Okonkwo showed that he was unsympathetic by having no patience and beating his wives and