Out of the last several pieces of literature read, "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achehe was one that struck me immensely. Throughout the entire piece, I felt myself struggling to comprehend, analyze, and empathize the main character Okonkwo and the many and drastic life decisions he made throughout the story. As a Westerner, there was so much conflict constantly racing through my mind. As a Christian woman, the conflict was intensified. To me, the hardest thing to find is a solid, loving husband who will sacrifice whatever it maybe for his family (except for his faith). At times, well, the majority of the time, I was appalled at Okonkwo's decisions as a husband, father, provider, and leader. Of course I am aware of the difference in culture but this did not stop me from questioning the brutality of man and whether or not one of us is wrong or right in our beliefs and actions.
Throughout this piece, Achebe promotes the contrast of several different themes: culture vs. colonialism and masculinity vs. femininity. Once the British men arrive, it is obvious that their culture varies greatly from that of Okonkwo's tribe. For instance, these white men come to colonize and bring Christianity to the African people as a part of their desire to grow and outdo the competing countries around the world. Okonkwo's tribe at first resists and then begins to allow the change to occur as some native find comfort and understanding in this new way of life while others resent their natural culture being threatened by the invasion of British men.
When it come sot masculinity and femininity, the difference in position and treatment makes it beyond obvious how conflicting and vital it is for the audience to take notice of the lack of similarities between the men and female of Oknonkwo's tribe. Men are obviously held to a higher standard and therefore failure as a leader leads brings automatic failure to the family. I would like to say that's common nowadays but in American culture, many young men have been slacking and it's almost expected of them to grow up slowly and enjoy their time doing as they please without no real major commitments being made necessary. To put it simply, there's nothing cute about a guy still living with his parents. Especially a guy with no job. When these types of men finally do move out and marry, it seems as though many don't' go into marriage with the expectation to sacrifice out of love for their wife and kids. Instead, affairs and more than that, divorce, rear their ugly heads and although common, does bring a bit of shame on the family. But with divorce, I feel that people sweep it under the rug instead of reminding people that marriage is hard and when you marry, you're marrying a sinner which is someone is going to "fail you" countless times. In actuality, I do appreciate the honor and respect Okonkwo's tribe demands and seek after to a certain extent. This type of masculinity is bold and a family can sleep at night knowing they have a provider who is willing to work to support his family. To me, that's a big deal and a major comfort.
One final connection I made was the relationship between Okonkwo and his play son Ikemefuna. Such a dynamic and close yet distant enough relationship that a father could kill his "son" represents American society today in the area I would like to call blended families. Step children, step parents, and step siblings are beyond common now and one can even see this structure of a relationship between the family and Nwoye's brotherly love for Ikemefuna. Despite his acceptance into the family, when the Oracle speaks of Ikemefuna having to die, Okonkwo takes it on himself to have the boy executed despite raising the boy as his one and not as a slave. This is not a Cinderella story for Ikemefuna where he is brought into the grasp of wicked stepparents but instead, nurtured and respected. I wonder whether there will always be a level of intimacy unreachable by step parents between them and their step children. With Okonkwo, it seemed that way.
