Things Fall Apart

5 Pages 1172 Words

The Effects that Masculinity Plays in Things Fall Apart

The novel, Things Fall Apart, takes place in the late 1800’s. It is set in a small tribal community called Umuofia, which is located in southeastern Nigeria. During this time, there was a major thrust from the British to expand their power economically, politically, and culturally. The Umuofia tribe has the reputation of being a wealthy and powerful tribe. A young leader of this tribe, Okonkwo, has to overcome the failures of his father’s past ventures to feel like a worthy member. His father, Unoka, had been known for his lack of responsibility and laziness, which is a serious claim to a tribe with such a solid reputation. Unoka dies a shameful death and leaves his family nothing but his debts. Okonkwo strives to overcome this shame by being a fierce warrior and a successful farmer. His attempts to right the wrongs of his father affect his entire tribe and ultimately contribute to his early death.
Okonkwo is introduced to the reader as a grown man who is already well established in his community. Unlike his father, he owns two barns filled with yams. He also has three wives and many children. Although he loves his family, he is unable to express this emotion, because he feels that this would be a sign of weakness. He treats the members of his family with a “heavy hand” and was known to have beaten his wives.
“Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children.” (p. 13)

Gemma 2
A major revelation of Okonkwo’s masculinity is demonstrated in Chapter 2 when the Mbaino people murder a female member of Umuofia tribe. The Mbaino tribe was faced with a dilemma of choosing between war or paying restitution. Payment could be made by offering a young Mbaino boy, who is approximately 15 years old, and also by offering a virgin to the man...