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¶ … opening scenes of "Things Fall Apart," author Chinua Achebe sets the leader of the Umuofia in a highly specific social, tribal context. Okonkwo is respected for his ability as a military fighter amongst the Umuofia, and he is both typical and atypical of his people. On one hand, the society is not entirely warlike, as Okonkwo's father Unoka is well-known for his gentle temperament and excellence in music -- but also his inability to financially provide for his family. Unoka is an "unsuccessful man" (3) Okonkwo, in contrast, has three wives and is very wealthy, with a barn full of yams (6). Although Okonkwo is able to provide his family with material wealth, his presence is not a comforting one: "He breathed heavily; and it was said that, when he slept, his wives and the children in their out-houses could hear him breathe" (3) the equation of manhood with the ability to control and provide for women is exemplified in the first crisis of the novel, when a neighboring tribe murdered the wife of one of the Umuofia. In revenge, Okonkwo extracts the payment of the young boy Ikemefuna, to whom he gives to his first wife to raise. Taking the 'riches' of the competing Mbiano clan are equated with taking representatives of their next generation.
This anxiety over the next generation is seen in Okonkwo's treatment of his first-born, biological son, whom he fears will be weak like the boy's grandfather. Okonkwo clearly fears a crisis of leadership in the next generation, and he associates leadership skills with physical excellence and bravery, as this has gained him his status within his world. However, despite the emphasis on fighting ability, there is clearly another side to the Umuofia, as Okonkwo's father's gifts are valued and even warring tribes are able to exchange kola nuts and drink palm wine together in a symbolic exchange of hospitality. Finally, the conflict is not settled through war, and the young Ikemefuna is not murdered, rather his transfer heals the rift that has occurred in a reasonably pacific fashion.
Works Cited
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Heinemann, 1996.
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