ENG_TFA Flashcards
Nwoye challenges all that is important to his father. The novel is set in a patriarchal society, where men are often feared. Nwoye was close to Ikemefuna, and grew to become just like Okonkwo where they participated in masculine activities with Okonkwo. This bond between the children and their father grew because Nwoye was finally becoming more masculine, distancing himself from the feminine side.
Okonkwo relationship between him and his children has always implemented a fixed view on masculinity and how Nigerian tribes use violence if they are not satisfied with the masculinity of their children.
Okonkwo assassinated his ‘son’, Ikemefuna, only because of the fact that he was afraid to be seen as fragile and soft by other men in the tribe. That fear of demonstrating affection towards people drove him to murder the person who changed him.
The influence of christianity in Africa during the late 1800s made a significant impact on Okonkwo’s relationship to his son, it helps to encapsulate the hate which the people had for missionaries.
Okonkwo believe that showing “affection” is considered “a sign of weakness”, while “the only thing worth demonstrating was strength” meaning that his children will grow up with the fear of presenting emotions as a sign of weakness, which is thought of unfavorably by their father
Nigerian society respect their elders and fathers, which is lacking in Okonkwo’s case
The way “Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand” will affect his relationship with all of his children in a way that they are living in a constant fear under his presence
Okonkwo represents the traditional Igbo view of the world, belief and cultures. When Nwoye converts to christianity, it can be seen as a threat that the western culture represents to the traditional Nigerian way of life.
The way Okonkwo was pleased at Ikemefuna but not Nwoye because of the lack of development affects the relationship between Okonkwo and Nwoye. The impatience of Okonkwo to unsuccessful men drove the relationship to an end and led Nwoye to leave the Nigerian society and go off to Christianity.
Achebe implies that clinging to old traditions and an unwillingness to change may contribute to their downfall. Achebe does not pass judgement on the point of view of indigenous tribes, but he illustrates the kinds of circumstances that could make things fall apart. An example of Okonkwo’s unwillingness to change for the better, theoretically, Ikemefuna could have been protected if they did not cling to the old traditions, Nwoye and Ikemefuna’s relationship together would have grown stronger and Nwoye would have changed to Okonkwo’s liking and Nwoye would have never converted.
The abuse of power Okonkwo use toward his children by viewing them as anger “outlet”
The religion of the Igbo people is central to their society. The people obey the commands of the Oracle and they call on the spirits as their judges. The arrival of the Europeans and the representatives of the Christian church changed the nature of Umuofia beyond recognition.
