While perceptions of masculinity and femininity may vary between cultures, these notions are nevertheless intrinsic parts of these aforementioned societies. In Things Fall Apart, Umuofia is a traditional West African Igbo tribe where gender roles are prevalent in every facet of life. Okonkwo, the protagonist, is the epitome of manliness—he embodies every stereotypical male quality regarding “family size, physical prowess, development of special skills and or talents, inculcation of boldness, bravery and courage, which are capable of distinguishing one in battles and combats,” (Maduagwu 314) among others. Despite the patriarchal nature of the Umuofia society and its prestige as a warring tribe, the clan does not express masculine traits alone, for example it “never went to war unless its case was clear and just” …show more content…
Okonkwo’s expression of masculinity, which is deeply-rooted in his personality, catalyzes the deterioration of major relationships in his life; while, Okonkwo’s beliefs are not innate to his personality but rather self-imposed, he consciously refuses to abandon them as he fears doing this will make him less of a man. This is first exemplified in his recollections of his father, Unoka. His father was a titleless man--an agabala--who indulged in music, disliked conflict, and allowed laziness. Because his father did not fit into his view of a “perfect” male, Okonkwo grew “to hate everything that his father…..had loved” (Achebe 8). Okonkwo’s perception of masculinity, as exclusive of femininity, and his resulting fear of weakness and failure (traits he considered feminine) not only prevented him from developing a meaningful