Okonkwo's Character vs. The Big Idea

Okonkwo is a brute and fierce soldier in the Igbo tribe, known not only for his wealth but also his strict following of Umuofia’s beliefs and values. However, when discussing the character’s significance to the novel as a whole, it is evident that the violent personality demonstrates some kind of prosperity (either militarily or socially), but comes at the cost of family and culture. One can see this when his aggressive nature that was summoned when Okonkwo did not wish to be seen as effeminate by not killing his adopted son Ikemefuna, and with his death, his birth son (Nwoye) had learned to hate his father. However, with the accidental murder by shooting a clansman (a violation to the earth goddess), his exile to his motherland (Mbanta) had proven beneficial to offering a much broader spectrum perspective as to how Okonkwo characterizes himself as not just a man with ‘manly’ traits, but a balance of ‘feminine’ qualities as well. This nostalgic visit back to his birth-tribe had allowed for his character to become comfortable with emotions, making him even more vulnerable to the changes when he returns and the white missionaries had gained much control of his village. His interaction with both the people of Umuofia and Mbanta permit the audience to draw a conclusion that African tribes maintain a balance as, for example, in chapter fourteen Uchendu discusses the concept of ‘Mother is Supreme’ when explaining the equal role of mother and father. Tearing down these sexist walls further develops Okonkwo’s character, yet also affects the audience’s perception of him as they see him less as a villain than as a confused man who is in deep conflict with himself as fueled by his shame for his father.

From this, the main message gained in the end when Okonkwo hangs himself is much heavier and holds much more value to the novel as a whole as it articulates that the Igbo tribe is one of love and compassion. The qualities that, throughout the novel, the reader was not often exposed to as the story was following the actions of its protagonist (Okonkwo) and therefore recorded his response to his reactions. In actual fact, the only times where Igbo culture was displayed unfiltered without a character’s view was during celebrations (such as multiple festivals) where the figurative language and emotive imaginary aided the audience into humanizing the tribe even more.  As, instead of viewing African tribes through a lens that we’re only exposed to the beast-like behavior of Okonkwo, we’re instead revealed what the center values of the tribe are once the remaining villagers' band together in an attempt to maintain their culture. Therefore, Okonkwo is symbolic of the “single-story” that Europeans and Westerners have been shown for years, rendering the “true” story even more impactful as the suicide of Okonkwo demonstrates his love for the real roots of his tribe.
Furthermore, the purpose of Okonkwo’s character within the text is evident as his pride and dignity that is displayed throughout the novel illustrates that even at his worst, he would carry these traits to his death. With this mind, this paints the Igbo culture as one that can be more respected as it is impossible not to respect this degree of courage and determination for ones’ beliefs. However, it is this very suicide that shows the effect of when two cultures clash. The cultural annexation of his tribe had led Okonkwo to kill himself, which (in order to avoid imprisonment) can be seen as a selfish death as it went against his tribal values. Knowing this, one can deem that the suicide of Okonkwo’s character is not only a representation of white dominance in African countries but also how this opposition against his original values signified the detrimental effect of colonial invasion. This significance was highlighted even more when Obierika states to the District Commissioner how Okonkwo was, “one of the greatest men in Umuofia” and that they, “drove him to kill himself; and now he will be buried like a dog” as this conveyed that even silver can rust if polluted and can result in it being destroyed.