Why was Okonkwo exiled?
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Answer
Why was Okonkwo exiled? [2021]
Okonkwo is a brave and proud man of Umuofia. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) has depicted him as a tragic character in “Things Fall Apart” (1958). This character works hard and becomes a great leader, but fate turns against him. Let us study his story.
Accident During Ezeudu’s Funeral: Okonkwo’s exile begins with a tragic accident. When the elder Ezeudu dies, the whole village gathers to mourn. Okonkwo fires his gun in honor of the dead man, but the gun explodes and kills Ezeudu’s son. The narrator says,
“It was like beginning life anew without the vigor and enthusiasm of youth.”
This marks the start of his punishment and pain. The killing is called a “female crime” because it is not done with intent, but it is still considered offensive to the gods.
Crime against the Earth Goddess: In Igbo belief, killing a clansman is a serious sin. It is seen as an insult to Ani, the Earth goddess. The narrator explains,
“It was a crime against the earth goddess to kill a clansman, and a man who committed it must flee from the land.”
Therefore, Okonkwo must leave his village for seven years to avoid angering the gods and the spirits of the dead.
Punishment and Loss of Honor: The exile destroys everything Okonkwo built in his life. He loses his titles, land, and pride. The villagers burn his houses and kill his animals to please the gods. He goes to his mother’s village, Mbanta, to live among his mother’s kinsmen.
Exile as the Turning Point: Okonkwo’s exile is not only a punishment but also a symbol of his fall. During his absence, the white men enter Umuofia and change everything. When he returns, he finds his people divided and powerless.
In short, Okonkwo is exiled because of an accidental killing that breaks the sacred law. His punishment brings shame, loss, and sorrow.