Why Does Okonkwo Want His Father Essay

Achebe does not want his readers to view Okonkwo as someone who’s irascible nor someone with an admirable behavior. He wants his readers to understand the reason behind Okonkwo’s actions. In the beginning of the book, it talks about Okonkwo’s feeling for his dad. He was not particularly happy with his father because he wasn’t rich nor was he hard working. Disapproving of his father, he made sure that he did not show any weakness when he “ruled his household with a heavy hand.” Many readers would find this as evidence of violence and unacceptable behavior, but their feelings may change when Okonkwo is appointed to take care of Ikemefuna. Achebe would want to show this side of Okonkwo, because it verifies that Okonkwo has a weakness in proving his manliness. …show more content…
But when Umuofia decided to kill Ikemefuna, Okonkwo is devastated. When the men attempted to kill him with a machete, Ikemefuna ran towards Okonkwo calling him father and asking why they were trying to kill him. Not wanted to imply feebleness, Okonkwo killed him. Upset about his action, “Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna.” Okonkwo was sad with grief in killing someone who called him father and felt like a son to him. Readers would be aghast about how cold hearted Okonkwo was in this situation while others would say that he didn’t have a choice. Readers would not be critical of the Ibo culture. They would be enraged at Okonkwo’s action. He was told not to be a part of Ikemefuna’s death by the