Additional Evidence: Ritual, Internal Conflict, and Downfall

A proverb illustrating the power and influence of nature and belief over the people's actions.

When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk

Vivid imagery of Okonkwo's physical strength and "solid personal achievements" that defined his early fame. (fish)

Okonkwo was as slippery as a fish in water

Vivid imagery of Okonkwo's physical strength and "solid personal achievements" that defined his early fame. (nerve)

Every nerve and every muscle stood out on their arms...stretching to breaking point

A fundamental social tenet showing the importance of hospitality and ritual in maintaining the community's "centre."

He who brings kola brings life

The priestess's harsh command to Unoka, which Okonkwo internalizes as a life-long obsession with avoiding "laziness."

Go home and work like a man

Explicitly defines Okonkwo's tragic flaw and his rigid, destructive definition of masculinity.

Okonkwo never showed any emotion openly, unless it be the emotion of anger

Explicitly defines Okonkwo's tragic flaw and his rigid, destructive definition of masculinity.

To show affection was a sign of weakness; the only thing worth demonstrating was strength

Links the agricultural success of the clan directly to gender identity and social status.

Yam stood for manliness, and he who could feed his family on yams...was a very great man indeed

Highlights Okonkwo's pride (hubris) and his belief that he can conquer fate through sheer force. (Survive)

Since I survived that year, he always said, I shall survive anything

Highlights Okonkwo's pride (hubris) and his belief that he can conquer fate through sheer force. (will)

He put it down to his inflexible will

Describes the internal fracturing of Umuofia, making it impossible for the "centre" to hold against the colonial "stranger. (clan)

They have broken the clan and gone their several ways

Describes the internal fracturing of Umuofia, making it impossible for the "centre" to hold against the colonial "stranger." (brothers)

We who are here...have remained true to our fathers, but our brothers have deserted us

A short, punchy phrase that summarizes the state of Okonkwo's life and his culture by the end of the text.

Everything was broken

Obierika's final indictment of the District Commissioner, highlighting the total tragic loss of Okonkwo's dignity. (men)

That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia

Obierika's final indictment of the District Commissioner, highlighting the total tragic loss of Okonkwo's dignity. (Dog)

You drove him to kill himself; and now he will be buried like a dog...