is
identified always in masculine terms, often connected with violence and strength.is described in
more musical terms, & Achebe often uses figurative language such as similes and metaphors to
characterize Nwoye. Okonkwo likes stories of bloodshed and war, while Nowye prefers his mother's
myths and fables. When seen through Okonkwo's eyes, he is described as "weak",
"womanly", and "lazy". Conversely, Nwoye is terrified of his father while
growing up. Whencomes to stay, Nwoye transforms, eager to please his father and emulate his new
brother.
In a way, Ikemefuna's death is a turning point for both father and
son. Okonkwo is haunted by his act, & suffers moments of doubt. Nwoye is forever turned away
from the tribe, & is more susceptible to the missionaries when they arrive. He responds to
their message of love and acceptance, which is something he cannot find with his family or the
tribe. The rituals, such as throwing twins in the forest to die, are heartbreaking to him, and
he is unable to see the purpose behind it. He sees only inhuman cruelty. Thus, the missionaries
offer an alternative to what he's always known.
Okonkwo, however, sees the
missionaries as intruders, slowly destroying the tribe. He holds the rituals and culture of the
tribe in the utmost regard; hence his overwhelming desire for Nwoye to prove a man. He responds
to the missionaries' actions with violence, but receives little to no support from the tribe. He
feels as though his world is being replaced by one of womanliness and weakness, which is the
greatest crime he could imagine.
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