Things fall apart - Okonkwo

“he seemed to walk on springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody”

How Okonknwo is introduced, suggests he is physically intimidating and violent

“his whole life was dominated by the fear, the fear of failure and of weakness”

An insight on his motives and reasoning for his unusual character. He doesn’t want to be like his father.

“when she returned he beat her heavily”

Okonkwo lost control of his anger and beat his wife even when reminded of the fact he is breaking the week of peace - irony as he is commited to his clan

“he would be much happier working on his farm”

he isn’t interested in any distractions from his goal - to never be seen as weak or useless

“I don’t know how to thank you”

Obierika visits him in exile and brings him news of Umofia - okonkwo is grateful and wanted to express his gratitude after reflection in his time away

“I take a stick and break his head. That is what a man does”

Okonkwo declaring what he would do to a man entering his hut - he views this as the only response