Why does Okonkwo threaten to break Nwoye's jaw?

Answer 1

Nwoye had split a seed yam which should not have been split because it was too small. Also, Okonkwo is trying to encourage both Nwoye and Ikemefuna to be great yam farmers, and thus great men. Okonkwo wishes Nwoye not to be lazy.

Seed yams need to be a particular size to grow properly. The bigger ones can be split to produce two seed yams. However, if a yam that is too small is split, it will not grow properly and is only useful for eating.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

Okonkwo was told by Amikwu that Nwoye was associated with the Christians.

Later, Okonkwo meets Nwoye again after his conversion to Christianity and name-change to Isaac.