Week 2 Chapters 6-10

In these chapters we gain an insight into Okonkwo's relationships with Nwoye, Ikemefuna and Ezinma. Why does Okonkwo feel and behave as he does towards each of these characters? What was your response to Okonkwo as a result of these revelations?

Okonkwo never openly expressed his fondness for his children. In fact, he did not display any emotion at all, unless it was anger, due to the fear of showing a sign of weakness. Therefore, he treated each of his family members with “a heavy hand”. However, some of his subtle actions revealed his undoubtable affection for Ikemefuna. Time to time, Okonkwo allowed Ikemefuna to accompany him like a son to important village meetings and communal ancestral feasts. Ikemefuna had become to be a part of his family and Okonkwo saw that he could become a man that he would be satisfied with. Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna because he could not cope with himself collapsing under emotions. He had high expectations of himself and he had to abide by illustrating ultimate strength in mind and body. Conversly, Okonkwo was disappointed by the weak attributes displayed in his oldest son's personality. He was worried that Nwoye would become a disgrace to him and continuously found fault in his efforts and thus threatened him in a harsh manner when he saw signs of laziness. He desired for Nwoye to become a great farmer and a great man and consequently became angered by his actions. Okonkwo also demonstrated little fondness to Ezinma but it did show on rare occasions. He resented that she was a girl, although she looked very much like her mother, who was once the village beauty, because he believed that Ezinma encapsulated what a boy needs to become a great man in the village. Okonkwo still spoke harshly to her but inwardly knew that she was of critical importance to his mind's wellbeing.

Okonkwo