How does Chinua Achebe show the pressures of masculinity through the characterization of Okonkwo?
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe was very engaging, unique’s novel explored many themes, including colonization and cultural change. The novel raised questions about what true power was and the pressures of men within society. Throughout the novel, Okonkwo is seen as a strong warrior who represents the ideal man in the Ibo society. Throughout the novel, we see him treat his wives and children harshly due to his high expectations. However, he stands out in the community due to his success and well-being as a man. In parts 1 and 2 of the novel, we are introduced to the Ibo culture and the values of the Ibo community, which is rich in culture, including elaborate belief systems, communal gatherings, justice, ceremonies, unique agriculture, and overall the importance of community and working together. This novel portrays the effects of colonialism and the true pressures of masculinity through the characterization of Okonkwo and the diction used.
The pressure of masculinity in society can be seen through the characterization of Okonkwo. This is due to his fear of becoming anything like his father and is clearly stated within the novel. “Perhaps down in his heart, Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw. Okonkwo’s fear was greater than this. It was not external but lay deep within himself. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father” (p.13). This is evident as he acts aggressively and harshly towards his wives and children when upset, beating and shouting regardless of his belief system: “[Okonkwo] walked back to his obi to await Ojiugo’s return. And when she returned, he beat her very heavily. In his anger, he had forgotten that it was the Week of Peace. His first two wives ran out in great alarm, pleading with him that it was the sacred week. But Okonkwo was not the man to stop beating somebody halfway through, not even for fear of a goddess.” (p.20). It is evident that he values personal power even if that means avoiding the rules of the clan because of power; however, in the novel, we see him suffering internally because men were supposed to stay strong, show no emotion, and, of course, never act as “women .”Throughout the novel, we see that Okonkwo does not show emotion even towards the people he likes, including Ikemefuna, which he is very close to; “Okonkwo never showed any emotion openly unless it is the emotion of anger. To show affection was a sign of weakness” (pg. 23). This hardship was experienced by Okonkw after having to kill Ikemefuna orders from the Oracle, where suffered because of his actions killing Ikemufuna due to societal pressures and status and not being seen as weak.
Toxic masculinity is seen through the actions of Okonkwo due to acting out harshly and being whatever the father was not. Even when colonization happens, by the end, we see Okonkwo refuse to witness the falling of everything he has devoted and worked for in his entire life. He is determined to not throw it all away for a new society where he would be powerless and have no status because he is not considered equal to the colonizers.