An Analysis of Okonkwo in Part One of "Things Fall Apart"

Okonkwo, the protagonist of Things Fall Apart, is a highly respected man in the Umuofia tribe in Nigeria. He has earned his respect through his strength and valor, displaying both these values at all times. Okonkwo represents success and power in his tribe, as he is a famed wrestler and also a successful farmer. The first chapter tells the reader about Okwonko's dad, Unoka, who liked music, was not successful in life, and is seen as weak and soft by Okwonko. Okwonko strives to be the polar opposite of his dad in life and it is because of this that he is successful, aggressive, and emotionally detached. Okwonko firmly believes that his father was a failure in life and is subsequently the complete opposite of him. Throughout part one we get a glimpse into Okwonko's life; he believes in ideals such as violence and masculinity. This is evident from his constant beatings of his wife and children and also from his view of many other men as effeminate. In perhaps one of his most violent moments, Okwonko assists in the murder of his own foster son, Ikemefuna, who he really loved. Throughout part one of Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe portrays Okonkwo as a respected man, but also very violent and emotionally detached. At the end of part one, Okonkwo is exiled from the Umuofia tribe; I wonder if he will maintain his violent qualities or if his lack of respect from the tribe will cause him to become like his father.