There are many things that can define the qualities of a person as a whole. In general, a person is defined by the things that they like or dislike, what they do, and how their actions affect others. Many people like to believe the best of themselves, but really their perceptions are skewed due to their point of view. Okonkwo, a character from Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart, thinks highly of himself as a man, but in reality his actions contradict many things that he stands for.
Okonkwo is very concerned about his appearance, and others’ perceptions of him. For example, it is narrated, “When Unoka died he had taken no title at all and he was heavily in debt. Any wonder then that his son Okonkwo was ashamed of him?” (8) Okonkwo, even …show more content…
Okonkwo’s flaw is his impulsiveness, especially in times of rage, without thinking of repercussions. For instance, when his second wife makes a comment on his marksmanship, “Unfortunately for her, Okonkwo heard it and ran madly into his room for the loaded gun, ran out again and aimed at her as she clambered over the dwarf wall of the barn. He pressed the trigger and there was a loud report accompanied by the wail of his wives and children.” (39) Okonkwo is consumed by his rage in this moment and does not think of the consequences that would come with shooting his wife, and his spontaneity will ultimately be his downfall. His impulsive behavior creates many issues not only in his home life, but also with his reputation in the clan. The problems caused by his reckless actions can be exemplified by his reaction to the realization that Umuofia will not go to war: “In a flash Okonkwo drew his machete…. Okonkwo’s machete descended twice and the man’s head lay beside his uniformed body.” (204) In contrast to his previous outbursts, Okonkwo is very sure and conscious of himself before, during, and after this act of murder; he understands the consequences of his actions, and continues to commit this crime regardless. This act further displays Okonkwo’s destructive nature, and his disregard for the effects that are a result of his actions. Okonkwo and his careless behavior cause many problems throughout the story of his life, and contribute to his
Okonkwo is very concerned about his appearance, and others’ perceptions of him. For example, it is narrated, “When Unoka died he had taken no title at all and he was heavily in debt. Any wonder then that his son Okonkwo was ashamed of him?” (8) Okonkwo, even …show more content…
Okonkwo’s flaw is his impulsiveness, especially in times of rage, without thinking of repercussions. For instance, when his second wife makes a comment on his marksmanship, “Unfortunately for her, Okonkwo heard it and ran madly into his room for the loaded gun, ran out again and aimed at her as she clambered over the dwarf wall of the barn. He pressed the trigger and there was a loud report accompanied by the wail of his wives and children.” (39) Okonkwo is consumed by his rage in this moment and does not think of the consequences that would come with shooting his wife, and his spontaneity will ultimately be his downfall. His impulsive behavior creates many issues not only in his home life, but also with his reputation in the clan. The problems caused by his reckless actions can be exemplified by his reaction to the realization that Umuofia will not go to war: “In a flash Okonkwo drew his machete…. Okonkwo’s machete descended twice and the man’s head lay beside his uniformed body.” (204) In contrast to his previous outbursts, Okonkwo is very sure and conscious of himself before, during, and after this act of murder; he understands the consequences of his actions, and continues to commit this crime regardless. This act further displays Okonkwo’s destructive nature, and his disregard for the effects that are a result of his actions. Okonkwo and his careless behavior cause many problems throughout the story of his life, and contribute to his