Jerry.Wendy.Shavonne.TFA

Okonkwo is consumed and blinded by his urge to appear tough and masculine. His fear of appearing weak and women-like causes him to forget his emotions apart from anger and hate. He is even afraid to display his affection for his children and concern for their health.

Women at the egwugwu ceremony seem to realize that the egwugwu are not scary ancestral spirits, but merely their menfolk in costume. Nevertheless, they are (perhaps pretending) afraid of the egwugwu and demonstrate the greatest respect and reverance for them. The women's actions portray the strength and depth at which Igbo beliefs and values are embedded in their lives.

Nevertheless, Achebe reminds the reader that even the most deeply held beliefs and values are constantly being questioned. The conversation concerning Ikemefuna's death between Okonkwo and Obierka illustrates Obierika's critical thought and analysis of the strengths and limitations of Igbo customs and values. Obierika recognizes that had the gods declared that his children be killed, he would neither go against the declaration, nor be the one to carry it out.

Significant sentences: n “And they might also have noticed that Okonkwo was not among the titled men and elders who sat behind the row of egwugwu. But if they thought these things they kept them within themselves.” (p90) n “Okonkwo sprang from his bed, pushed back the bolt on his door and ran into Ekwefi's hut.” (p76) Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut [Ikemefuna] down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (p61)