's life
is a direct result of his past experience as a child and adolescent. When Okonkwo was young, he
feared becoming like his inept father, , who was effeminate and title-less. Okonkwo desperately
tried to distance himself from his father by behaving hostile, callous, and resolute. While
Okonkwo's fear of being viewed as weak like Unoka led to early success, his rigid, intolerant
personality contributed to his demise. Okonkwo ends up disturbing the Week of Peace by beating
his wife, plays a significant role in 's death, and accidentally kills a young man during a
warrior's funeral. Okonkwo is exiled for seven years after the accidental murder, and he loses
his titles.
When Okonkwo returns to his homeland of Umuofia, he cannot accept
the new culture, which has transformed as a result of European influence. Christianity, trading
outposts, and schools have significantly transformed Umuofia and Okonkwo feels that his tribe is
losing their traditional ways of life. Okonkwo's intolerance and hostility motivate him to
decapitate a court messenger. Rather than be arrested and embarrassed by the white men, Okonkwo
decides to hang himself from a tree on his compound.
Overall, Okonkwo's
callous, aggressive personality is directly related to his past experiences with Unoka and his
rigid, intolerant beliefs influence his hostile reaction to Umuofia's changing
culture.
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