Okonkwo Case

The novel is continuously exploring links between power and representation. We see this first between Okonkwo and his father Unoka. Okonkwo wants to change the tribal views that his father left of his family so he becomes hardworking, controlling and aggressive. The novel opens with Okonkwo wrestling ‘who is obsessively fighting the effeminacy of his father Unoka.' In doing this Okonkwo establishes himself and gains personal achievement, wealth, and becomes one of the lords of the clan. Okonkwo strives to be as different as his father was because he believed his father was weak, effeminate, lazy, and poor. ‘Okonkwo did not have the start in life which many young men usually had. He did not inherit a barn from his father. There was no barn to inherit.' (Achebe, 2006, 17) This quote encapsulates that Okonkwo's father did not provide sufficiently for his family, which suggest that he was poor and reluctant to work. It is from Okonkwo's own experience that he prevents his own child becoming like Unoka. We see this when Ikemefuna and Nwoye are preparing yams for the week of peace. Okonkwo lashes out at his son's mistakes, 'If you put another yam of this size, I shall break your jaw. You think you are still a child. I began to farm at your age. I will not have a son who cannot hold up his head in the gathering of the clan. I would sooner strangle him with my own hands.' (Achebe, 2006, 33) This shows Okonkwo's pride and use of power and masculinity to make an example of his son; he believes it is best to raise a son through anger and violence than through love and compassion. This in turn would eventually lead to his son's disrespect and betrayal of his father and family.

The central figure, Okonkwo, uses violence and destruction in his actions so he can represent the power that he has acquired. Okonkwo has three wives, is a famous wrestler, a wealthy farmer, and was