Okonkwo Character Analysis

Okonkwo Character Analysis

Brice Enright

Friday, April 17, 2015

Lucas

Words

Appearance

Okonkwo is a man who looks ferocious on the outside, but is filled with fear on the inside. Okonkwo is influenced by his "weak" father to not become the man his father was. Okonkwo is known for being an emotional blunter who shows no

emotion on the outside, making him look

ferocious. Okonkwo hides his emotions

where he has much fear, the fear of being

his father, and the fear of looking weak or

feminine by any other.

Thoughts

Okonkwo is a leader of the Igbo community of Umuofia. Okonkwo is described as a "tall and huge" with "bushy eyebrows and a wide nose that gives him a very severe look." When Okonkwo walks, his heels barely touch the ground, like he walks on springs, "as if he is going to pounce on somebody." Okonkwo "stammers slightly" and his breathing is heavy. Okonkwo is a strong, powerful, leader who had great physical strength and was known for his power.

Though outwardly serious and powerful, much of his life is ordered by his internal fear. His greatest, fear is that one day he will become like his father. A lazy man who was unable to support his family. Okonkwo considers many of his father’s characteristics to be feminine. Much of Okonkwo’s behavior results from the desire to be completely unlike his father. This helps Okonkwo to work hard, provide for his family, be brave, and be as masculine as possible. Resulting, Okonkwo becomes successful in many ways. He becomes wealthy, holds a high-ranking position in the village, has three wives, and is known as a wrestler and warrior. His fear motivates him to take actions which are often not necessary and and result in a destructive way.

The End

Other Character's Reactions

Actions

Okonkwo uses his brutal behavior against his wives and children. He beats his wives without guilt. He threatens Ekwefi with a gun whenever she talks back. He scolds Nwoye for listening to old wives’ tales. Though he does show emotion about killing Ikemefuna, deep down he knows he should not have done it. Okonkwo feels ownership over his family. “Answer me,' roared Okonkwo, 'before I kill you!' He seized a heavy stick that lay on the dwarf wall and hit him two or three savage blows" (Achebe 138).

Okonkwo was especially known by his village as a vicious, leader. Okonkwo's actions of brutally beating his three wives and children is what the people around him knew him about. Though Okonkwo wanted to be known for his masculine behavior and lack of fear and emotion. People knew that he was hiding his emotions deep inside and showing the world nothing. Okonkwo feared that

people would see him as his

father and Okonkwo tried his best

to show other how powerful he

is, when he was hurting inside.