Okonkwo’s Relationships
What is Okonkwo’s attitude toward his father, Unoka?
disdain and fear of becoming like him
Why is Unoka’s failure as a father significant to Okonkwo’s character?
it drives Okonkwo’s obsession with success and masculinity
How does Okonkwo embody the Igbo ideal of masculinity?
through his strength, success as a farmer, and warrior-like nature
What external event forces Okonkwo into exile?
accidentally killing a clansman during a funeral ceremony
What fear drives many of Okonkwo’s actions throughout the novel?
the fear of becoming like his father, Unoka
How does Okonkwo treat Nwoye, and why?
harshly, because he sees Nwoye as weak and effeminate
How does Nwoye’s conversion to Christianity affect his relationship with Okonkwo?
it completely breaks their relationship, with Okonkwo disowning Nwoye
What does Okonkwo’s participation in Ikemefuna’s death reveal about his adherence to cultural expectations and views of masculinity?
he prioritizes showing strength over his personal feelings of attachment
What external pressures lead Okonkwo to participate in Ikemefuna’s death?
the expectation to demonstrate strength and loyalty to the clan’s decisions
What internal struggle does Nwoye experience regarding his father's expectations?
Nwoye feels pressured by Okonkwo’s harsh expectations, causing him to rebel against his father's values.
Why does Okonkwo feel a special connection to Ikemefuna?
Ikemefuna represents the ideal son Okonkwo wishes Nwoye could be (strength, masculinity, obedience)
How does Okonkwo’s exile impact his family?
it forces them to move to Mbanta, where Okonkwo struggles with feelings of failure and is conflicted about his mother's clan
How does the Week of Peace reflect Igbo cultural values, and how does Okonkwo violate it?
it promotes harmony, but Okonkwo beats his wife, showing his struggle with controlling his temper
How does the arrival of missionaries affect the community?
The missionaries introduce new beliefs that challenge traditional Igbo practices, causing divisions within the community.
Why does Okonkwo feel ashamed of showing affection, even toward his children?
he believes that displaying emotion is a sign of weakness
How does Okonkwo’s relationship with Ezinma differ from his relationships with his other children?
he is more affectionate and sees her as having qualities he admires, even wishing she were a boy
What does Okonkwo’s relationship with his wives reveal about his character?
he is authoritarian and often violent but still adheres to some cultural expectations of respect
Why does Okonkwo and Igbo society view the egwugwu as central to Igbo culture?
they symbolize ancestral authority and uphold traditional laws and values
Why does the Christian church appeal to outcasts and marginalized members of Igbo society?
it offers them acceptance and a new identity outside traditional Igbo norms
What inner conflict does Okonkwo feel after Ikemefuna’s death?
his guilt over killing someone he cared for versus his need to appear strong
What role does Obierika play in Okonkwo’s life?
Juxtaposition: he is Okonkwo’s loyal friend who provides advice and challenges his rigid thinking
How does Okonkwo’s role as a father influence his children’s choices and actions? (specifically Nwoye and Ezinma)
his harshness pushes Nwoye away, but Ezinma remains loyal due to his special treatment of her
How does Okonkwo’s desire to meet cultural expectations contribute to his downfall?
his obsession with appearing strong and unyielding isolates him from others and leads to poor decisions
How does Okonkwo’s death symbolize the broader impact of colonialism on Igbo society?
it reflects the destruction of traditional values and the inability to resist foreign control
How does Okonkwo’s view of masculinity create internal tension? (think of his attitudes towards Ezinma and Ikemefuna)
his rigid belief in strength prevents him from expressing love or empathy