Masculinity in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Okonkwo Essay

Things Fall Apart: Okonkwo’s Masculinity The Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a straight to the point story, embedded with interesting elements that capture readers’ attention. In my view, when I read the story, I found many interesting things about the theme of the book. But The Masculinity Okonkwo was what captures my attention. The story opens up to a Traditional Igbo lifestyle, a theme which is highly stylized from its ritual to the actions performed for certain ceremonies. Most of the action Igbo tribe has been an attempt to show respect to the gods, for example, when ikemefuna became sick and his stomach swelled up their traditions says that he take them to the evil forest and kill him. The story also seems to focus on gender,†¦show more content†¦The only thing he (Okonkwo) fears most is not ending up like his father, Unoka. However, Achebe ‘‘makes an insightful comment on the nature of masculinity through his representation of the tribal leaders. Achebe basically, was conducive in cr eating four alter egos of Okonkwo: one of which were the masculinity; next of his fatherly abilities; and the last of his family progress and four of his likelihood of success’’ (Achebe.179). My paper will explain how Okonkwo’s Masculinity from Achebe’s Things Fall Apart will be characterized by his fears, beliefs, and emotions for several reasons. The first reason is the fears of Okonkwo’s Masculinity, in the story Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo masculinity is characterized by his fear of becoming like his father. Even though, Okonkwo’s father (Unoka) was a talented musician, he was still known for his laziness and irresponsible by Okonkwo. Since Unoka bad reputation was known for his failure to pay his debt, which brings shame to his family. However, he (Unoka) did not intentionally want to disgrace his family, he just does not find any interest in the works and titles but leisure’s, parties, and music. Unoka does not like to do anythin g, but play his flute. Because of his bad reputation, along with his fear of blood and warfare combined with his laziness and his massive unpaid debts and his nearly starving family marks himShow MoreRelatedThings Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe1415 Words   |  6 Pagesbook Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe does just that. This book should be taught in schools because it shows the values and traditions of Achebe’s Igbo culture, persistently teaches life lessons throughout the book, and shows the darker reality of European colonialism in Africa. Chinua Achebe is known as one of the most influential and famous authors to ever write. 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