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Masculinity and femininitiy in things fall apart
Critically analysis the representation of masculinity in things fall apart
Critically analysis the representation of masculinity in things fall apart
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Okonkwo’s aggressive ways caused Nwoye to rely on Ikemefuna, A boy given to Okonkwo by a neighboring village, as an older brother who teaches him a more gentle form of masculinity. The bond between Nwoye and Ikemefuna was stronger than the bond between Nwoye and Okonkwo ever was because of Okonkwo’s refusal to demonstrate affection towards his son as it could make him appear weak. However, because of the death of Ikemefuna, Nwoye fears having to return to the harsh values of his father. Okonkwo’s stubborn ideas of masculinity ruined his relationship with his son beyond repair. Okonkwo’s refusal to show emotion towards his family pushed them apart which shows that Okonkwo is not willing to give up his stern values and reputation to be emotionally committed to his family.
Due to the outcome of his fierce and warrior-like actions resulting the life that he desired, Okonkwo contributes these qualities to that of man because these are the traits that distinguish him from his father. So, in both books the importance of manhood is displayed, but the main characters have a different point of view to what manhood actually
There are many people in the world that can be influential. These people are influential because they inspire people to stand up for what they believe in, do what they think is right, and to achieve their goals. Someone that shows these traits would be Rosa Parks. Rosa Park is very influential because of her Accomplishments, Remarkable Acts, and Beliefs. There are several reasons Rosa Parks is influential because of her accomplishments.
The author, Chinua Achebe, used Okonkwo as an example of the father/son conflict and how the conflict affects a man’s life. Just because one does not always act like the typical strong, almost emotionless man, that does not mean one is coward. Okonkwo’s thought process leads to his demise because he cannot bear to see the strong willed tribe and culture he has known his whole life fail him: just
In 2014, only 58.2% of eligible people voted in the presidential election. Over hundreds of years, Americans have fought for their right to vote. But nowadays, the irony is that people will complain about their president or their representatives, but do not actively engage their right to change it by simply going out and voting. The most common reason for not voting is apathy.
Social Norms, Violence, and Wealth have a big influence throughout the book ”Things Fall Apart”. These topics demonstrated different ways. He showed his masculinity throughout the book. Okonkwo was a very successful man but believed strongly in gender roles and treated his wives unfairly. Although he was a successful man he was a very insecure man.
Okonkwo built himself up by the failure of his father, causing him to work twice as hard for the things he should’ve inherited. Okonkwo made up for his father’s weakness by doing much with a “heavy hand”. For he felt that he had to constantly prove himself a man to the tribe, for “he was afraid of being thought weak”. His mind was set one way as he learned what not to be from his father. The emotions and feelings within Okonkwo had been pushed so far down to avoid the shame, because of that, other emotions were able to be seen.
Okonkwo devotes his life to becoming the opposite of his unsuccessful father. This need to become masculine introduces his fear: “But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of
The story of the life of warrior Okonkwo is the focus of the story
In the beginning of the story, Okonkwo was a very vigorous man who everyone loves. One day a killing happened leaving Okonkwo with a wife and a son, Ikemefuna. He grew to like the young boy, where he is different from his other children, On a fateful day, Okonkwo murders Ikemefuna. Okonkwo had a load of guilt for killing his adoptive son, Ikemefuna.
In the book “Things Fall Apart“ Okonkwo is a very strong man and from time to time he starts showing his true self. He has a lot of responsibilities and other things he has to do around the living environment and interact with lots of people. Okonkwo changes from being that strong man, to a man who feels like his tribe is not with him when he wants to go to war with the missionaries. For someone like Okonkwo a lot of people looks up to him and while in the tribe Okonkwo beats his wives and children. Not good behavior for someone who is supposedly looked at as strong.
According to Okonkwo’s tribe, the Igbo, masculinity is being strong, aggressive, and nourishing. Femininity is being weak, loving, compassionate, and devotional. Achebe highlights the definitions of masculinity and femininity to show that Okonkwo’s hypermasculinity causes his downfall. Okonkwo is trying to act too masculine and by completely rejecting feminine qualities, he sets up his destiny to be his downfall. The first instance in which things fall apart for Okonkwo is when a tribute from another village has to stay with Okonkwo for three years.
Among those of the same culture, individuals who are adaptive and open-minded can be successful when there is cultural collision. When the Igbo and European cultures collide, Okonkwo gradually spirals out of control, losing everything he values and his own sense of self. From the beginning of the novel, Achebe depicts Okonkwo as a virile warrior and a successful farmer within the Igbo tribe. Reacting with violence to anything he considers “womanly” or “weak”, “He was a man of action and man of war” (10). Because of his reputation as a warrior he is highly respected by his community.
Okonkwo In literature, there are many characters that stand out and show that they have a variety of qualities about them. In Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is one character that presents character traits from both the negative and positive sides of him. Okonkwo is portrayed to be a warrior who wanted to become somebody strong and looked up to, but also possesses less favorable qualities. He, however, does not let any one trait dictate his whole personality; he is written to be a well-rounded character.
Anyone who disobeys those priorities are shunned by their own culture and considered weak worthless men. This story is told with many interesting different themes, but in my perspective one theme that captured my attention the most was masculinity, like I had mentioned before. The main character Okonkwo, revolves around showing no emotion and being masculine, his whole life is based upon the belief of male masculinity and hard work. He does not accept any failure or weakness from himself or any of his family members, putting his pride on being a well respected masculine man unlike his father Unoka.
