Okonkwo's Loyalty

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Recommended: An appreciation of Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Obtaining acceptance from others is a burning desire that lies within each of us, yet no one dares to admit it. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart reveals that respect and honor is greatly valued in the African culture. The novel’s protagonist, Okonkwo, is so concerned with the clan’s opinion of him that he is pressured into making irrational decisions. His choices have not only a negative effect, but also an irreversible impact on those he truly cares about. Okonkwo’s fear of societal disapproval causes him to hurt others. Okonkwo rejects his children because of his insecurity of the clan’s opinion. He values strength and masculinity. Not only does Okonkwo not see these qualities in his son, Nwoye, but also recognizes how he is weak and feminine. Okonkwo is so ashamed of his own child that he “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” (33). Okonkwo’s uncertainty of clan’s opinion causes him to make drastic statements, such as threatening to murder his own child, in order to prove himself worthy of the society. Okonkwo would rather not have a son than have one who would tarnish his reputation. As a result, he repudiates his own son. When Okonkwo is explaining to Obeirka about his disappointments with his children, he reveals his grief about Ezinma’s gender when he states his “children do not resemble me […] If Ezinma had been a boy I would have been happier. She has the right spirit” (66). Although Ezinma has all of the masculine characteristics Nwoye lacks, she is a girl. Okonkwo cannot accept his daughter because women are inferior to men in the Ibo culture. Thus, Ezinma’s masculine traits are worthless. The complications of Ezinma’s gender that e... ... middle of paper ... ...wn well-being. Although Okonkwo wants nothing more than to be with his son, he chooses to listen to the Oracle and kill an innocent boy because he does not want to be thought of as cowardly. Okonkwo ultimately inflicts pain on himself when he kills the son he has a special connection with only to prove himself worthy of the clan. Okonkwo’s fear of not gaining complete approval from the clan causes him to force pain upon his loved ones. After witnessing Okonkwo’s irrational decisions, it is clear that this inclination can do more harm than good. Gaining acceptance is not only limited to Africans, but is a universal craving all humans have. Yet, pleasing everyone is a mere illusion. This leads to the question of why humans attempt to gain everyone’s approval, even if that means going to extremes. These great lengths show exactly how dangerous a burning desire can be.

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