The Importance Of Masculinity In Things Fall Apart

Pride, a feeling of deep satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievement as well as others’ with whom one closely associated, and from qualities of admirable possessions. Nkonkwo, a self-made and well respected man of the Umuofia tribe has a lot of pride, although he was not born to a proud and celebrated family. In a community where a man is judged not by his root, but his worth and accomplishment - Nkonkwo is very determined to escape the shadow of his indolent father. Things Fall Apart emphasizes the importance of pride and masculinity in an antiquated community, where its residents are mainly hunters and farmers. Achebe brings the subject of pride to the focus through the life of Nkonkwo, who was born with nothing but great determination …show more content…
The strong sense of masculinity that contributed to Nkonkwo’s success led him to believe that he was invincible above all else, yet it was also the very sense that responsible for his downfall. Masculinity preoccupied Okonkwo’s actions and thought process, in fact, the best compliment that he was able to give his beloved daughter was “She should have been a boy” (Okpewho, 2003). The importance of womanhood was emphasized throughout the story – highlighted by the fact that they contributed to the wealth of the family, reared the children, as well as partaking in an important role of an oracle of the tribe. Masculinity might have spearheaded all the successes, however, femininity was held sacred and respected. Nkonkwo’s lack of respect and kinship to women resulted in his catastrophic failure as a man – his demeaning actions to women were often frowned upon and deemed unacceptable my most. In fact, he was inconsiderate enough to beat his wife during the week of peace – considered a taboo among the tribe and also a direct insult to the goddess. His action was not well received and as a result, he was fined by the priestess of the tribe. Nkonkwo further insulted the goddess by inadvertently shot and killed one of the clansman during a funeral, which resulted in his exile from the tribe. “It was a crime against the earth goddess to kill a clansman, and a man who committed it must flee from the land” (Achebe, 1958). The importance of femininity was again shown in this event; all the prize and prosperity that Nkonkwo had achieved was hinged upon the mercy of a priestess – showing that his masculinity was not at all influential in saving his position in the tribe. In fact, it was the very factor that contributed to the destruction of his character and livelihood. His hope and ambitions of acquiring additional titles and to become the leader of