The way Okonkwo reacts to each of the things that Unoka and Ikemefuna do and say highlight his character. For example, his fear of weakness is highly illuminated when he slays Ikemefuna in a daze. His lack of wisdom due to disrespect of his father is shown when he is annoyed by his father trying to console him after the drought then torrential rains during Okonkwo's first harvest. His desire for strong children is shown through his acceptance of Ikemefuna as his son.
Okonkwo seems to genuinely care about his family; however his personal pride prevents him from expressing such pride and concern openly.
He will do anything to not look weak.
Bad--he abuses and manipulates her
Ezinma takes Okonkwo some food, and she and Obierika notice the whip marks on his back.
Okonkwo beats his wife (possibly second...you may want to look this up as I read the book months ago). This is unheard of because during the week of peace, all violence is frowned upon.
The literary term that best describes Okonkwo's character is "tragic hero," as he possesses noble qualities but ultimately meets a tragic downfall due to his flaws and personal struggles. Okonkwo's hubris, fear of weakness, and inability to adapt to changing circumstances contribute to his eventual tragic demise.
Ezinma takes Okonkwo some food, and she and Obierika notice the whip marks on his back.
Okonkwo's disapproval and harsh treatment towards Nwoye, due to Nwoye's perceived weakness and differences in character, cause Nwoye to feel alienated, resentful, and eventually lead him to distance himself from his father and embrace Christianity when introduced to it by the missionaries. Okonkwo's rejection and lack of understanding of Nwoye's emotions and needs ultimately drive a wedge between them.
had never happened before in that village.
Okonkwo expects his wives to perform their duties thoroughly, including making him meals, feeding the children, cleaning the house and helping with the farming. When they do not fulfill all of their duties, he gets very angry at them and occasionally beats them. If they do not show him the proper respect, he sometimes gets angry at them, and occasionally beats them. He treats the women as women were treated at that time, as second-class citizens.
Okonkwo's father Unoka was an agbala. The primary definition of agbala was woman, but it could also be used to describe a man with no titles, derisively. As Unoka had no titles, he was an agbala. Some children are mean or thoughtless.
Okonkwo beats his wife (possibly second...you may want to look this up as I read the book months ago). This is unheard of because during the week of peace, all violence is frowned upon.
Mr. Brown attempted to understand the Umuofian culture so as to gain converts better. His method of converting people converted not only the outcasts such as the osu and the women with twins, but also men of titles.
Okonkwo does little when the white men arrive. He loses his chance to make the white man go away before they take root in the village. The repercussions are that the white man is allowed to stay in the village and influence it.
Chinua Achebe never reveals the name of Okonkwo's first wife in "Things Fall Apart" to emphasize the importance of Okonkwo's legacy and role in society rather than the individual identities of his wives. Okonkwo's first wife serves as a representative of the many women in the Igbo society who often go unnamed and are defined by their relationship to men. By omitting her name, Achebe highlights the patriarchal nature of the society and the lack of agency for women.
In "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo's clan refers to him as "Roaring Flame." This name reflects his fiery and passionate nature, as well as his reputation for being a strong and influential member of the community.
Okonkwo has three wives:The first is unnamed and is mother to Nwoye and Obiageli.The second wife is Ekwefi who leaves her husband for Okonkwo and mothers Ezinma.The last wife is Ojiugo, mother of Nkechi. She is also the youngest and is beaten for getting her hair braided, neglecting the job of making dinner.