Okonkwo has an excessive fear of being like his father, so subsequently, he begins at an early age to prove to his tribe that he is strong and brave. His father was weak, lazy, and a poor provider for his family. As a result, he becomes an aggressive, angry, violent man in trying to distance himself from his father. This causes him to constantly wish to project a strong solid image and never be weak. Okonkwo’s determination helps him succeed, but it also is partially responsible for his downfall.
Okonkwo’s ignorance of his father is just the beginning of his troubles. “His love of talk had grown with age and sickness. It tried Okonkwo’s patience beyond words” (Achebe 25).
