Blog Post 1

            The first major conflict in chapters one to four involves Okonkwo’s “fear of failure and of weakness” (pg. 13). The internal conflict emerges from Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, who dies with the label of an agbala. As a result, Okonkwo resolves to “hate everything that his father Unoka [has] loved” (pg. 13). This conflict reveals the personalities of two main characters, a major theme, and a symbol in the story.

            From Okonkwo’s behavior, he can be characterized as a strict and hardworking individual. Okonkwo acts harsh towards his son and uses disciplines such as “constant nagging and beating” (pg. 14) as a method to correct his son’s laziness. Okonkwo does not want his son to end up like Unoka, a pathetic failure. Unoka can be easily described as a lazy coward. He cannot pay off his debt or “bear the sight of blood” (pg. 6). He’s everything that Okonkwo is ashamed of and feared of becoming. In other words, Unoka can be seen as Okonkwo’s foil.

            The theme of reputation and worthiness can be found from this conflict. According to the Ibo, “a man [is] judged according to his worth” (pg. 8). The value of a person comes from several factors such as his titles, properties, and wives. Okonkwo earned two prestigious titles and is married to three wives. Unoka can barely feed his one wife and children and receives no titles throughout his life. Okonkwo’s fear creates a contrast between him and his father and demonstrates society’s view of two different characters.

            Yams also symbolize the wealth and value of an individual. Since yam is the main food source, a farmer with more yams shows that he’s hard working and prosperous. An example could be seen from Okonkwo and Unoka. Okonkwo had “two barns full of yams” (pg. 8) while Unoka didn’t own a barn of yams and has a miserable harvest. Okonkwo is regarded as successful while Unoka is seen as a disappointment.