Answer to Question #323510 in English for Daisy

Question

What us the effect of Okonkwo's inability to express feelings of tenderness

Answer 1

In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe vividly illustrates the tragic story of proud warrior Okonkwo as he faces the challenges presented by a rapidly changing Umuofia. Okonkwo faces a number of problems in the novel. Okonkwo never showed any emotion openly, unless it be the emotion of anger. To show affection was a sign of weakness; the only thing worth demonstrating was strength. He therefore treated Ikemefuna as he treated everybody else—with a heavy hand. But there was no doubt that he liked the boy.

In addition to treating Nwoye harshly, Okonkwo indoctrinates his son into a traditional understanding of masculinity and such indoctrination involves regaling Nwoye with violent stories, even though Nwoye actually prefers the more creative tales his mother tells.