In this part of the story so far Okonkwo is beginning to see his son turn more masculine. This could not make Okonkwo happier as it reconnects to his fear that he or his children would turn out like his father. Him seeing his son start on the right path as most likely helped to lighten that fear of off Okonkwo's shoulders. Another one of Okonkwo's fears is looking weak. Later in the same chapter he is informed by other clan leaders that Ikemefuna will be sacrificed, that is Okonkwo's adopted son and part of the reason his actual son is acting the way he is. But in order to avoid looking weak and his fear coming true he cuts down the boy killing him.
Later after he killed the boy he feels depressed and weak. His daughter is left to take care of him while he is in this state, and he keeps wishing that she where a boy because she has the right attitude. This goes back to where the men in the village belittle women and give them no power at all even if they are right for the part. So far Okonkwo's fears and the fact that women are given no oppurtunites keeps circling around throughout the book.
Okonkwo's constant fear of being like his father is evident throughout the book thus far. I like how you picked up on how this fear continues to haunt him trough his bloodline as well. The fact that women are still looked down upon also connects the book further into various societies and even present day.
ReplyDeleteDespite being inferior to men as a whole, when the men are down the woman are looked at to take over. The women are really the strongest people in the tribe and it is interesting that the men don't realize this. Okonkwo being depressed shows weakness while his daughter showed strength caring for him.
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