Blog post #2

The theme of fear in Things Fall Apart becomes prominent through subtle actions as well as main events. Each scene that involves Okonkwos' home life seems to have an omniscient feel, almost as if

the reader is supposed to be on edge like his family is. Okonkwo's "suppressed anger" is present in nearly every main scene of the book; he even needed to "[find] an outlet" as meaningless as a dead banana tree to justify his anger. (Pg.38) While at a kindred meeting, a man named Osugo contradicted him. Almost like a child, Okonkwo called him a girl because he didn't posses any tittles. His overreaction to situations and unpredictable nature leads to the overall fearful tone of the story, and keeps the reader on his/ her toes. 

Less significant examples of fear are shown discretely throughout the story. The character of Ikemefuna is out of his element since he was taken away from his family and his native land. He was "very much afraid" of the new life he was beginning, so he tried to run away, but ended up "weep[ing] bitterly". Being depressed, he refused to eat-- even when he is forced by the always-angry Okonkwo (of course, that made him even more afraid). Ikemefuna's reluctance towards his new, forced life enhances the theme of fear.(pg. 27) Another example is when one of Okonkwo's daughters, Ekwefi, was plucking hens, and heard a voice call her name. Instead of saying "yes?" or "what is it?" she answers "Is that me?" in fear that it might be an "evil spirit calling" (pg.41) This little girl is already so full of fear that even an everyday conversation is riddled with precautions.   

Hopefully, as the story progresses, Okonkwo will learn to be accepting of his true self and the people around him--fear and all. 

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The cowardly lion from The Wizard Of Oz resembles Okonkwo because on the outside he looks intimidating, and has a reputation as the king of the forest, but on the inside he is afraid of many things.