Is Okonkwo’s father responsible for how Okonkwo turned out as a person?

One could argue that Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, is responsible for his son’s callous, hostile, determined demeanor. Unoka was a lazy man and a debtor, who enjoyed playing his flute and drinking palm-wine all day. He was also not aggressive and always avoided physical confrontation. Unoka lived a happy-go-lucky life and died a titleless man, who was considered an abomination to the earth goddess and therefore carried to the Evil Forest instead of being buried in his home. Okonkwo is ashamed of his father and tries his best to be Unoka’s exact opposite. Okonkwo fears becoming like his father and develops into an aggressive, masculine, callous man, who excels in warfare and is highly respected throughout his community. Okonkwo is known as a successful farmer, fearsome warrior, and decorated wrestler. However, Okonkwo’s hyper-masculinity prevents him from developing a meaningful relationship with his son, Nwoye, and results in several terrible decisions that lead to his downfall. Okonkwo ends up killing Ikemefuna out of fear that he will be viewed as weak and also kills a European messenger towards the end of the novel. Overall, Okonkwo’s aggressive, callous, masculine nature is a result of him desperately trying to avoid being like his father.

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