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This novel is about the rise and fall of Okonkwo and his culture. Okonkwo is a man who made a name for himself by hard work and determination. His ambition to gain more titles had changed when things began to fall apart. The causes of things falling apart are political and religious order as well as Unoka, Okonkwo's father.
These lead up to Umuofia corruption, Okonkwo's headstrong attitude, and fatality. Religion is still today one of the most controversial topics around the world. Tradition and superstitions are what the people of Okonkwo's tribe believe in. When missionaries arrived the people of Umuofia accepted them into their society. This once intrepid clan is corrupted when the missionaries came to spread the message of Christianity. Not only did the missionaries convert the people of Igbo they also created a political system like the one in the west.
The ideas of the British contradict all the ways of the people of Umuofia. When Okonkwo returns from Meant his hopes of gaining more titles were shattered. His once strong tribe is now under the control of the British. This really heated Okonkwo because some time ago he thought of his clan as being manly. Okonkwo's actions impel him to behead a messenger of the white men and finds he has no support from his now womanly tribe. His tribe is now as womanly as his father; Unoka was a coward who was a disappointment to his family and his clan.
Okonkwo was set on to never live a life like his father, and always feared failure. He hated anyone like his father, in other words he hated womanly like men. His rancor towards these people made him impatient and tough on his family. Unoka was a big part of things falling apart because he gave Okonkwo a good example of what not to be.
Okonkwo's image played a big part in his life. He wanted to be the best and to have the greatest family. Unlike Okonkwo, his eldest son Nwoye was a sensitive boy, who was a little skeptic of his tribes beliefs. Nwoye couldnt take his fathers traditions or headstrong attitude anymore and found comfort with the missionaries. Okonkwo despised Nwoye for running off and swore to his other children if they ever follow the missionaries while he was alive or dead he would murder them. Okonkwo believe or not has feelings.
He was fond of Ikemefuna, he was taken from his village as a younger age as a payment, and was to live with Okonkwo. The oracle tells Okonkwo that the child must die. Okonkwo contributes in killing the child. Deep down inside Okonkwo didnt want to harm him, but you have to do what the oracle says or else.
Later on in the story after Okonkwo kills the messenger, the District Commissioner looks for Okonkwo. Okonkwo's friends lead them to where he is; the body of Okonkwo is found hanging from a tree. The death of Okonkwo was caused by the new things going on in his tribe. His death was a risky way of symbolizing that he would rather die then goes through the cultural change. Things really did fall apart for this man who only wanted to be remembered as one of the most supreme warriors rather than Unoka's son. In a sense you could say that Okonkwo didnt surrender by turning to death, but died a warrior.
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Research essay sample on People Of Umuofia Okonkwo Didnt Okonkwos
