Storytelling is an important aspect in Ibo society, and there are many different types of stories. But when Nwoye enjoys hearing the more feminine stories, “he knew that his father wanted him to be a man. And so he found that he no longer cared for women’s stories” (54). Nwoye stops listening to women’s stories in order to be accepted by the expectations of his father and society, sacrificing his personality and joy. Once again, the pressure to appear masculine has caused members of the tribe to change to fit the ideal image of a tribe member. Although Nwoye has made attempts to live up to his father’s wishes, Okonkwo can see right through the act. This is apparent when Okonkwo confesses to Obierika about the issue, saying, “I have done my best to make Nwoye grow into a man, but there is too much of his mother in him” (66). The fact that Nwoye is not the ideal child causes Okonkwo to resent his existence as a part of the family and see him as a disappointment. The contrast between Okonkwo’s masculinity and his son’s femininity results in familial tensions and an unhealthy father-son relationship. Nwoye’s lack of masculinity results in him trying to change to fit society’s image for him, and him feeling isolated because he is not accepted for who he
Storytelling is an important aspect in Ibo society, and there are many different types of stories. But when Nwoye enjoys hearing the more feminine stories, “he knew that his father wanted him to be a man. And so he found that he no longer cared for women’s stories” (54). Nwoye stops listening to women’s stories in order to be accepted by the expectations of his father and society, sacrificing his personality and joy. Once again, the pressure to appear masculine has caused members of the tribe to change to fit the ideal image of a tribe member. Although Nwoye has made attempts to live up to his father’s wishes, Okonkwo can see right through the act. This is apparent when Okonkwo confesses to Obierika about the issue, saying, “I have done my best to make Nwoye grow into a man, but there is too much of his mother in him” (66). The fact that Nwoye is not the ideal child causes Okonkwo to resent his existence as a part of the family and see him as a disappointment. The contrast between Okonkwo’s masculinity and his son’s femininity results in familial tensions and an unhealthy father-son relationship. Nwoye’s lack of masculinity results in him trying to change to fit society’s image for him, and him feeling isolated because he is not accepted for who he