Okonkwo's Nnative Culture

In the novel “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, the author portrayed an indigenous African tribesman named Okonkwo of his adversary to be one with his Nnative culture. Through the use of a direct representation, character’s point of view, and characterization, the author captures the effects of cultural aspects in one’s moral choice within society.
Through the use of a direct representation, the author conveys Okonkwo’s obedience to obedient characteristic of his the Native Culture towards his son. In chapter four, page 33 the author writes, “I will not have a son who cannot hold up his head in the gathering of the clan. I would sooner strangle him with my own hands. And if you stand staring at me like that,” he swore, “Amadiora will break your head for you!” Within this example, the words “Amadiora” is used to referring to an Igbo God and the phrase “hold up his head in the gathering of the clan” is a reference of becoming a man. The means to follow the path of being a man can even push Okonkwo to strangle his own blood (I would sooner strangle him with my own hands) in order to sustain his belief of

In chapter twenty, page 172 the author writes, “You have all seen the great abomination of your brother. Now he is no longer my son or your brother. I will only have a son who is a man, who will hold his head up among my people.” Within this example, the phrase “I will only have a son who is a man” is being portrayed to reveal the ideal belief of a moral culture in the eyes of Okonkwo. Being a man is one aspect of being a traditional Native, in which influence Okonkwo to shape his moral choice to abandon his own son in order to sustain the culture. By mentioningpresenting this quote example, the author captures the viewpoint of Okonkwo characteristic to look down on anyone who abandons the tradition of being one with the