Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Okonkwo as a Father
Okonkwo was a very good father to all of his children. He was so caring he took in a child that wasn't even his, Ikemefuna, and let him live there for three years. Ikemefuna had become a son and brother to his new family. One day when Okonkwo was informed that Ikemefuna had to be killed he knew he couldn't do it himself however he didn't want to look weak. Once someone shot him Okonkwo finshed the job. This may seem really cruel and selfish for the fact that he didn't want to look weak; however, later in the text it says that he did not eat for two whole days after Ikemefuna had passed. Also later when he is talking to his friend Obeirka he tells her that he is extremely sad that it all had to happen the way it did. This shows that even though Okonkwo may come off as a mean and heartless guy he truly does care and love his children. Another example of Okonkwo being a good father is at the end of chapter 9 when he finds out that Ezinma, Ekwefi's daughter, is dying Okonkwo creates a medicine that will help Ezinma to sleep better so she won't have to suffer or feel the pain.
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I agree with Squirtle's post that Okwonkwo is a good father. There are many cases throughout the text that he shows his love for his children, mainly for Ezinma when she is sick, but also the others too. The biggest example of this is when Chielo takes her from the compound and Ekwefi chases after her. Okwonkwo warns her not to follow, but when she leaves he goes after her. This is a very bold action by Okwonkwo because he believes in order and regulation. Before Chielo left she said, "Beware, woman, lest he strike you in his anger. Bring me my daughter." (Achebe 101) She was speaking to Ekwefi, of course, but Okwonkwo was right there to hear it. He knows he is not supposed to go near Agbala's temple, which is where Chielo is going, but he is fearful for Ezinma's life, as well as Ekwefi's, so he chases afer them and stays there for the night. The next day when she Ezinma is returned to the house, the reader finds out that Okwonkwo had not slept at all the previous night and was feeling anxious about the life of his daughter. This is a very bold statement of love and shows that Okwonkwo was indeed a good father because of the love he has for his children. Also for the record Ezinma is a girl and she is Okwonkwo's child.
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