Upon opening Things Fall Apart, readers are introduced to Okonowo. Okonkwo is "well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond" (pg.3) He is well respected and most known for beating Amanlize in a wrestling match. As readers, we are soon introduced to another character which is his father. His father, Unoka, is the complete opposite of Okonkwo. Unoka was poor and died owing many people debts. This indicates laziness. This laziness is the exact factor that drove Oknonkwo to become the man he is presently. Achebe suggests Oknwo's wealth by telling of his farms and wives.
Okonkwo is characterized as an intimidating man who has the respect of everyone around him. "He was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look."(pg.3-4) As the story proceeds, Achebe introduces a conflict which is the threat of war. A neighboring village "killed a daughter of Umuofia"(pg.11). The Umuofia tribe gives villages the option of war showing a type of mercy the tribe possesses.
A person the Umuofia tribe goes to for advice and spirit communication is the priestess. Even Okonkwo obeys and fears the priestess. This shows how high the tribe regards the prissiest and magic within their culture. This may contribute to later situations within the text. With my reading so far, I have come to think that Okonkwo is a man who is willing to do anything to preserve his tribe and keep the villagers satisfied. This really stood out to me considering Okonkwo took immediate action after hearing news of the murder in Umuofia. “Okonkwo of Umuofia arrived at Mbiano as the proud and imperious emissary if war.” (pg. 12)
When Mike mentioned the priestess, it reminded me of when Okonkwo mistreated his wife. How can a tribe worship a female if they treat their wives and daughters like objects? This is a contradiction that I hope is addressed as the story continues.
ReplyDeleteI liked your predictions about possible future events in the novel. Also, your analysis of the mercifulness of the tribe was something I hadn't considered. I only recognized their brutality until I read this post about the "mercy the tribe possesses". Also, I agree with your statement that Okonkwo is motivated by the memory of his father's laziness.
ReplyDeleteI liked your predictions about possible future events in the novel. Also, your analysis of the mercifulness of the tribe was something I hadn't considered. I only recognized their brutality until I read this post about the "mercy the tribe possesses". Also, I agree with your statement that Okonkwo is motivated by the memory of his father's laziness.
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