Value Conflict In Things Fall Apart

Value conflict can be defined as differences in opinion created by differences in long- held beliefs and worldviews. Unlike many other types of conflict, a value conflict is more difficult to resolve as it deals with the belief systems of individuals and mere persuasion or logic is highly unlikely to resolve this type of conflict. Value conflicts occur in many parts of both books and is a central reason for many of the disagreements between the father and son in both books.

In Things Fall Apart, the personal value system of Okonkwo was in stark contrast to that of his only son, Nwoye. Okonkwo was a closed minded individual whose determination

Similarly to Things Fall Apart, the value system of the father Gabriel Grimes was a far cry away from that of his son John Grimes. Gabriel Grimes, a highly respected deacon at the church who had had a life filled with various ups and downs was wild, undisciplined and sinful in his formative years constantly drunk and well renowned as a womaniser, all of this even after the beatings and prayers of his devoutly religious mother. He however changed and became born again at the age of twenty one, however, despite this, he still had anger issues and was still quite abusive towards his family members especially his son John. After several marriages and affairs with various women in the past, he was married to Elizabeth Grimes who bore him three legitimate children and John Grimes who was his step son and he had a horrible relationship with John for various reasons. One of which could be traced to the fact that he reminded him of his sinful past when he had an illicit affair with Esther that bore him a child out of wedlock. This shows a clash of value as the deacon new value system strongly differs from his old value system and thus loathed anything that reminded him of his past and unfortunately for John Grimes, he was a victim of the hatred. The quote “Being a preacher ain’t never stopped a nigger from doing his dirt” by Deborah who was Gabriel Grimes’ sister shows that she is well aware of his past and was not swayed by his sudden change. She resented her brother because of their mother’s favoritism for him despite his terrible