tes his peace-loving father whom he considered weak and a disgrace to the village. Because of this, he ôruled his household with a heavy hand... Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and weaknessö (7). He also ônever showed any emotion openly, unless it be the emotion of angerö (30). To show emotion would be a sign of weakness in OkonkwoÆs eyes. He is driven to hate everything his father had loved and the desire to restore his family name. His primary goals are to rule his household to prove his strength, power and ability.
OkonkwoÆs one-sided, inflexible personality is not characteristic of his society. Ibo culture is depicted as valuing both strength and gentleness. Throughout the n
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