Okonkow’s whole life was dominated by fear, and the fear of failure and weakness”- Elucidate.

Answer

“Okonkow’s whole life was dominated by fear, and the fear of failure and weakness”- Elucidate.

“Things Fall Apart” (1958) is considered a tragic novel in which Okonkwo is the protagonist. The novel depicts Okonkwo’s dramatic ups and downs. His fear and weakness were the guiding forces or motivations of his life. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) makes this comment at the novel’s beginning.

Background of Hereditary Fear: The background to this fear of failure and weakness was his own father’s character and habits. In his youth, Unoka, Okonkwo’s father, had an artistic mind. He played the flute very well. His happiest moments were two or three moons after harvest. Unoka played the flute and played games with them. His face was radiant with blessings and peace. As a child, he loved to fly kites. 

In his mature years, he was lazy, short-sighted and incapable of thinking about tomorrow. If any money came, he would immediately buy liquor and finish it. He used to call his neighbours and hang out together. He was a debtor. Every neighbour of his always got some money from him. He was a failure man. He was poor and did not have enough food to feed his wife and children. This fear pushes Okonkwo to work tirelessly. Okonkwo’s entire life is a rebellion against becoming like Unoka. 

He had no patience with unsuccessful men. He had had no patience with his father.

Physical Qualities: The author first gives a vivid description of Okonkwo’s physical qualities. He is tall and has bushy and wide eyebrows that do not give him a severe look. He breathes heavily. It is said that when he sleeps, his wives and children in their outhouses can hear his breathing. Achebe says,

Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper.

Hate to Failure: Okonkwo feared failure and weakness from the example of his father’s life. In