Nwoye and Obiageli are children of Okonkwo's first wife. She is not named throughout the whole novel.
She is always referred to either as Okonkwo's first wife or Nwoye's mother.
Her name is never mentioned in the book. She is only known as the mother of her child. This is significant because it shows that the first wife was not respected and it is important in relation to the Ibo people because conveys the idea that having children was all the first wife was good for.
Okonkwo's first wife is called Nwoye's mother because in Igbo culture, a woman is often referred to by her eldest child's name. Nwoye is Okonkwo's eldest son, so his mother is commonly referred to as "Nwoye's mother" to show respect to the child and emphasize the maternal lineage.
1. Okonkwo's first wife is always called "Nwoye's mother" because she is honored as the mother of Okonkwo's heir, his first son.
It is an intentional thing to value her for her contribution in producing a son, as opposed to her as a person. It is a reflection of the culture at the time.
Ezinma was Nwoye's half sister. Both of them share the father of Okonkwo, but Ezinma's mother is Ekwefi; Nwoye's mother is Okonkwo's first wife.
The book does not say this explicitly until Nwoye joins the Christians, when Okonkwo calls him an abomination. However, Okonkwo often wishes that Nwoye was stronger, saying that at his age, he should already have impregnated a wife and taken a farm. Okonkwo also wishes that Nwoye were as strong a wrestler as Obierika's child, Okafo.
Okonkwo disowns Nwoye when he converts to Christianity. Okonwko originally assaults Nwoye when told of Nwoye's association with the Christians, resulting in Nwoye leaving the compound and joining the Christians.
Okonkwo disowns Nwoye after he joins the Christians, claiming Nwoye is no longer his son, no longer his children's brother. Okonkwo tells his children, "You have all seen the abomination of your brother."
Nwoye initially felt fear and intimidation in response to Okonkwo's confrontations. However, as time passed, Nwoye began to distance himself from his father's harshness and eventually disassociated himself from Okonkwo and his beliefs.
Okonkwo's first wife's child was Nwoye, so she had a major influence on raising Nwoye, whether it be suckling from her breast, or originally birthing him.
Nwoye denies that Okonkwo is his father after Ikemefuna's death, as he is deeply affected by the event and begins to question his relationship with his father. This moment marks the beginning of Nwoye's alienation from Okonkwo and his traditional beliefs.
Okonkwo chokes Nwoye. Be careful of your misplaced modifiers.
Okonkwo was disturbed by Nwoye's decision to convert to Christianity because it went against their traditional Igbo beliefs and customs. Okonkwo saw Nwoye's actions as a betrayal of their cultural heritage and a sign of weakness. Additionally, Nwoye's conversion meant that he was turning away from his father's authority and control.
Cousin of Okonkwo. He tells Okonkwo that Nwoye has been to the Church in Mbantu.
Okonkwo threatens to break Nwoye's jaw because Nwoye has converted to Christianity, which goes against Okonkwo's traditional Igbo beliefs and values. Okonkwo sees this as a betrayal and a threat to the family's honor.
Okonkwo is anxious about Nwoye because he sees him as weak and effeminate, unlike what he believes a son should be. Okonkwo wants Nwoye to embody the masculine values of strength, aggression, and success, which causes tension in their relationship.