Okonkwo was a masculine man, and expected his son to follow in his footsteps. Nwoye ended up being more effeminate, and either way could not follow in his father's footsteps, instead being obscured by his shadow.
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.
Okonkwo was upset with his son Nwoye for not meeting his expectations of being strong, masculine, and ambitious like himself. He viewed Nwoye as weak and unmanly, which was a source of great disappointment for him.
Nwoye's father, Okonkwo, views him with disappointment and disdain. He perceives Nwoye as weak and effeminate, traits that he believes are unbecoming of a warrior and a man in their culture. This disappointment is compounded by Nwoye’s lack of interest in traditional masculine pursuits, leading Okonkwo to harshly criticize and attempt to toughen him up, ultimately straining their relationship. Okonkwo’s rigid expectations reflect his own fears of being perceived as weak, which he projects onto Nwoye.
Ikemefuna's influence on Nwoye is significant as he serves as a positive role model, embodying the traits of strength and masculinity that Nwoye struggles to embrace. Their friendship allows Nwoye to experience a sense of camaraderie and acceptance, which contrasts with his strained relationship with his father, Okonkwo. However, the eventual fate of Ikemefuna deeply traumatizes Nwoye, leading to a profound internal conflict and ultimately driving him away from traditional values and his father's expectations. This pivotal event catalyzes Nwoye's transformation, pushing him towards a more introspective and empathetic worldview.
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's feelings toward Nwoye are largely marked by disappointment and frustration, as he perceives Nwoye's sensitivity and reluctance to conform to traditional masculinity as weaknesses. In contrast, Okonkwo feels a deep sense of pride and affection for Ikemefuna, whom he sees as a strong and successful model of manhood. This favoritism exacerbates Nwoye's feelings of inadequacy and alienation, ultimately leading him to rebel against his father's values and seek acceptance elsewhere. The emotional distance created by Okonkwo's harsh expectations contributes significantly to Nwoye's internal conflict and estrangement from his father.
Nwoye began to act like a man by distancing himself from his father’s expectations and adopting his own beliefs and values. He chose to embrace the new religion brought by the missionaries, which gave him a sense of identity and purpose different from his father’s traditional beliefs. This shift in allegiance and autonomy marked a significant step in Nwoye’s journey towards manhood.
In Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," Nwoye's conversion to Christianity represents a profound personal and cultural shift. Feeling alienated from his father's traditional values and the expectations of masculinity within the Igbo society, Nwoye finds solace in the new faith, which offers him acceptance and a sense of belonging. His conversion creates a rift between him and Okonkwo, leading to a deep sense of betrayal for his father, who views Nwoye's actions as a rejection of their heritage and family. Ultimately, Nwoye's choice symbolizes the broader cultural clash and transformation occurring in colonial Nigeria.
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."
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.
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.
Nwoye undergoes significant transformation in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," primarily as a response to the oppressive expectations of his father, Okonkwo, and the rigid masculinity that pervades their Igbo culture. Initially, Nwoye struggles under the weight of his father's expectations, feeling alienated due to his sensitivity and affinity for traditional stories. However, after experiencing the trauma of his mother's exile and witnessing the brutalities of colonialism, he ultimately embraces Christianity, seeking solace and acceptance in a faith that contrasts starkly with his father's values. This shift reflects both personal rebellion and a quest for identity amidst cultural upheaval.