Characterization Of Okonkwo

Okonkow's Thoughts

Okonkwo always acts and thinks with a goal in mind. Whether it be the success of his crops, or the proper development of his children, or the behavior of his wives. This mindset is the result of Okonkwo's will to not turn out like his dad; to not turn out a failure. This is revealed when the author states; "But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness... It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father." (Achebe, p. 13)

Okonkwo's Emotions

Okonkwo comes off as a cold, stern man. This because he carries himself in that way, to avoid seeming weak. However, Okonkwo does feel compassion and love for others, he just doesn't express it outwardly; he keeps it to himself. This can be concluded from this quote: "He heard Ikemefuna cry, 'My father, they have killed me!' as he ran towards him. Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (Achebe, p. 61) This shows how he did not kill Ikemefuna because he hated him, but out of sheer fear of being perceived as weak.

I don't want to kill Ikemefuna.

I don't care! Ikemefuna must die!

(THOUGHT bubble)

(SPEECH bubble)

Wives & Children

Although he doesn't show it, Okonkwo does love and care for his wife and children. Out of the three of his wives, it seems that he actually loves (or at one point did) love Ekwefi. Their love for each other is highlighted when the author says "Two years after her marriage to Anene she could bear it no longer and she ran away to Okonkwo." (Achebe, p. 109)

Clansmen

The clansmen are the backbone of the village. It is their responsibility to deal with any and all village affairs. Okonkwo and the clansmen can often be quite judgemental of each other. This is apparent when the author states that "Everybody at the kindred meeting took sides with Osugo

when Okonkwo called him a woman." (Achebe, p. 26). Despite this fact, the men still find strength in the clan. Okonkwo often goes to Obierika for advice, and wisdom, and receives help from the clan in his sacrificing of Ikemefuna. The clan supports Udo after his wife is killed.

"When he walked, his heels hardly touched the ground and he seemed to walk on springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody. And he did pounce on people quite often." (Achebe, p. 4)

Physical Traits

Topic

This passage portrays Okonkwo similarly to a Cheetah (always ready to pounce).

"He was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look." (Achebe, p. 3-4). Although their personalities couldn't be more opposite, the imagery above could also be used to describe Wreck-it-Ralph to a surprising degree.

The Hoe

The hoe represents the village's dependence and value on agriculture. Their village's people and economy survive on agriculture. In their society, Agriculture and crop harvests equate to success. And to Okonkwo, a man's agricultural ability is telling of their masculinity. This concept is shown when the author gives an insight on Okonkwo's thoughts; "Yam stood for manliness, and he who could feed his family on yams from one harvest to another was a very great man indeed. Okonkwo wanted his son to be a great farmer and a great man." (Achebe, p. 33)

The Machete

The machete symbolizes Okonko's violent tendencies, and his methods of resolving conflict. This is revealed when the author says that; "Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him [Ikemefuna] down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (Achebe, p. 61). This passage also displays how under pressure, or when uncertain on what to do, Okonkwo always resorts to violence. He also uses violence to teach his sons to be strong, and iron-willed like him. Okonkwo also uses violence to discipline his wives, and intimidate them into obeying his commands. The machete, and in turn violence, are integral parts of Okonko's character.

"Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them. Children were warned not to whistle at night for fear of evil spirits. Dangerous animals became even more sinister and uncanny in the dark." (Achebe, p. 9)

Ibo Superstitions

Topic

"After the death of Ekwefi's second child, Okonkwo had gone to a medicine man, who was also a diviner of the Afa Oracle, to inquire what was amiss. This man told him that the child was an ogbanje, one of those wicked children who, when they died, entered their mothers' wombs to be born

again." (Achebe, p. 77)

Clansmen's Misconceptions

"They [the locusts] went back to their caves in a distant land, where they were guarded by a race of stunted men. And then after another lifetime these men opened the caves again and the locusts came to Umuofia." (Achebe, p. 54)

Topic

Wish & Prediction

I wish Ikemefuna had not died. I wish that he was still alive.

Topic

I predict that Okonkwo will be criticized for his actions by his family in his motherland.