Justice-Okonkwo as a Man

Okonkwo as a Man

Okonkwo is one who spends all the days of his life working hard, no only to succeed for himself, but his family also. He is both stern and strong, both physically and emotionally. In his world, failure is not an option. In the beginning, thet start off mentioning his father Unoka, who was considered a complete failure. Because of this, Okonkwo lived in fear of failure and weakness. "Okonkwo was ruled by one passion-to hate everything his father Unoka had loved, [gentleness and kindness]." (page 13 This both contributes and takes away from his traits as a man. It is more than just ok to be focused on success and making a good name for himself, both of which he has done. However, as a human being, Okonkwo strkes me as the type of person who comes off as slighlty unapproachable and stiff. Through his conversations and thought, he seems like he has never cracked a smile in his life. He is careful not to show any emotion towards his family or anyone else. Sure he is well known and looked up to for things such as being the best wrestler, but whats all those great things if no one wants to be around you. In class we have already predicted that his life was headed for a downfall. Because of the kind of person he is, I think he may find it difficult to deal with it for one of two reasons. He may not get that much help from others, or his pride will get in the way of him asking for help from anyone.