Notes on Okonkwo's Masculinity in "Things Fall Apart"

Okonkwo's actions often demonstrate toxic masculinity, particularly in his harsh

treatment of his family and his insistence on showing no weakness. For example,
Okonkwo beats his wives and children to assert his authority and dominance. He
believes that showing any form of emotion, such as affection or compassion, is a
sign of weakness. This is evident when he participates in the killing of Ikemefuna, a
boy who calls him "father." Despite his affection for Ikemefuna, Okonkwo delivers the
fatal blow to avoid being seen as weak by the other men in the village.
Traditional gender roles significantly impact Okonkwo's relationships with other
characters, including his wives and children. In the Igbo society depicted in the
novel, men are expected to be providers and warriors, while women are relegated to
domestic roles. Okonkwo's wives, such as Ekwefi and Ojiugo, are subjected to his
authoritarian rule and are expected to be submissive. Okonkwo's son, Nwoye,
suffers the most from his father's rigid adherence to traditional gender roles. Nwoye's
sensitive and gentle nature reminds Okonkwo of his father, Unoka, leading to
constant disapproval and harsh treatment. This ultimately drives Nwoye away from
his father and towards Christianity, which offers him a different understanding of
identity and masculinity.

1. Understanding Okonkwo's Concept of Masculinity

 Influence of His Father:
o Okonkwo's father, Unoka, is seen as weak and effeminate, which
greatly affects Okonkwo.
o Okonkwo’s drive to be the opposite of his father influences his
perception of masculinity.
o He equates masculinity with strength, wealth, and aggressiveness.
 Fear of Weakness:
o Okonkwo fears being perceived as weak.
o He associates masculinity with dominance and control.
2. Behaviours Reflecting Toxic Masculinity
 Aggression and Violence:
o Okonkwo's physical strength and wrestling prowess are sources of
pride.
o He often uses violence to assert his dominance, both at home and in
the community.
 Emotion Suppression:
 o Okonkwo suppresses emotions that he considers weak, like fear and
affection.
o He believes showing emotions other than anger or pride is unmanly.
 Rigid Gender Roles:
o Okonkwo enforces strict gender roles within his household.
o He expects his sons to be tough and his wives to be subservient.
3. Impact on Relationships
 With His Wives:
o Okonkwo’s relationship with his wives is marked by his need to control
and dominate.
o He often resorts to physical violence to assert his authority.
o His wives live in fear of his temper and strive to please him.
 With His Children:
o Okonkwo is particularly harsh on his sons, especially Nwoye, whom he
deems weak.
o He favours Ezinma, his daughter, but wishes she were a boy because
of her strong personality.
o His rigid views alienate Nwoye, pushing him towards the missionaries.
 With the Community:
o Okonkwo’s desire to be seen as a powerful man often puts him at odds
with others.
o His impulsive actions sometimes harm his standing in the community,
such as when he participates in the killing of Ikemefuna.
4. Key Incidents Illustrating Masculinity
 Killing of Ikemefuna:
o Despite warnings, Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna, his adopted son, to avoid
being seen as weak.
o This act profoundly affects him, revealing the deep conflict between his
emotions and his constructed masculinity.
 Exile:
o Okonkwo’s accidental killing of Ezeudu’s son during a funeral lead to
his exile.
o The community punishes him according to tradition, showing the limits
of his power.
  Return and Clash with Colonial Powers:
o On returning from exile, Okonkwo finds his influence diminished.
o His inability to adapt to the changing power dynamics leads to his
tragic end.
5. Themes Explored
 Tradition vs. Change:
o Okonkwo's understanding of masculinity is deeply rooted in traditional
Igbo culture.
o The arrival of the missionaries and colonial government challenges
these traditional views.
 Individual vs. Community:
o Okonkwo’s actions often reflect his personal desires rather than the
well-being of the community.
o His rigid masculinity isolates him from others, leading to his downfall.
 Conflict Between Generations:
o The differing views on masculinity and tradition between Okonkwo and
his son Nwoye highlight generational conflicts.
o Nwoye's rejection of his father's values symbolizes the changing times.
6. Character Analysis
 Okonkwo:
o Embodies the traditional, aggressive male figure.
o Struggles with internal fears of inadequacy.
o His life is a constant effort to live up to his harsh ideals of masculinity.
 Nwoye:
o Represents a more sensitive and modern perspective.
o His relationship with Okonkwo is strained due to their differing views on
masculinity.
o Ultimately, Nwoye rejects his father's oppressive masculinity by
converting to Christianity.
 Ezinma:
o Okonkwo’s favoured daughter, who he wishes were a son.
o Strong-willed and intelligent, she challenges traditional gender roles in
subtle ways.
More on generational conflicts:
Okonkwo and Unoka
 Background: Unoka is Okonkwo's father, known for his laziness and failure
to provide for his family.
 Okonkwo's Response:
o Determined to be the opposite of Unoka.
o Embraces strength, success, and a harsh, authoritarian personality.
o Views Unoka's traits as weak and rejects them entirely.
 Relationship Dynamics:
o Lack of communication and understanding.
o Okonkwo's desire to distance himself from Unoka's perceived failures
shapes his toxic masculinity.
Okonkwo and Nwoye
 Background: Nwoye is Okonkwo's eldest son, sensitive and inclined towards
stories and songs.
 Okonkwo's Expectations:
o Expects Nwoye to be a fearless warrior, embodying traditional
masculine traits.
o Disappointed and angered by Nwoye's sensitivity, which reminds him of
Unoka.
 Relationship Dynamics:
o Rigid expectations and failure to communicate lead to a strained
relationship.
o Nwoye's silent rebellion against his father's harshness drives him
towards Christianity.
o Generational conflict mirrors that between Okonkwo and Unoka.