Things Fall Apart: Idea of Strong
Strength vs. Values
Strong and powerful is controversial, because it differs person to person.
Also, throughout generations and cultures, the definition has been modified. Usually,
one’s values are connected to their interpretation of strength. For example, my
emphasis on my values are utterly different from Okonkwo’s values. The Ibo culture
developed their own idea of strength, American society has modernized it, and one’s
values may differ from another’s.
Throughout Things Fall Apart, the Ibo’s idea of strength is illustrated
through the villagers and Okonkwo’s thoughts. The ultimate result Okonkwo desired
was prosperity, and when he spent seven years from his clan, he developed a plan to
accomplish this. “He would build a bigger barn than he had had before and he would
build huts for two new wives. Then he would show his wealth by initiating his sons
into the ozo society. Only the really great men in the clan were able to do this.
Okonkwo saw clearly the high esteem in which he would be held, and he saw
himself taking the highest title in the land” (155). Okonkwo believed that being
strict would build him respect, and only weakness thrived off of emotions. “To show
affection was a sign of weakness; the only thing worth demonstrating was strength”
(26). The Ibo culture involved a lot of violence, therefore, being bold and war-like
was being brave. “But I have also heard that Abame people were weak and foolish.
Why did they not fight back? Had they no guns and machets? We would be cowards
Berman 2
to compare ourselves with the men of Abame” (159). A villager from Mbaino,
Okonkwo’s clan, or Abame would be frustrated if they were placed in American
society, mainly because power has a new significance.
True American heroes use their morals to save others and support what is
right. They do not discriminate against gender or race, unlike the Ibo society that
treated men with more respect
Strong and powerful is controversial, because it differs person to person.
Also, throughout generations and cultures, the definition has been modified. Usually,
one’s values are connected to their interpretation of strength. For example, my
emphasis on my values are utterly different from Okonkwo’s values. The Ibo culture
developed their own idea of strength, American society has modernized it, and one’s
values may differ from another’s.
Throughout Things Fall Apart, the Ibo’s idea of strength is illustrated
through the villagers and Okonkwo’s thoughts. The ultimate result Okonkwo desired
was prosperity, and when he spent seven years from his clan, he developed a plan to
accomplish this. “He would build a bigger barn than he had had before and he would
build huts for two new wives. Then he would show his wealth by initiating his sons
into the ozo society. Only the really great men in the clan were able to do this.
Okonkwo saw clearly the high esteem in which he would be held, and he saw
himself taking the highest title in the land” (155). Okonkwo believed that being
strict would build him respect, and only weakness thrived off of emotions. “To show
affection was a sign of weakness; the only thing worth demonstrating was strength”
(26). The Ibo culture involved a lot of violence, therefore, being bold and war-like
was being brave. “But I have also heard that Abame people were weak and foolish.
Why did they not fight back? Had they no guns and machets? We would be cowards
Berman 2
to compare ourselves with the men of Abame” (159). A villager from Mbaino,
Okonkwo’s clan, or Abame would be frustrated if they were placed in American
society, mainly because power has a new significance.
True American heroes use their morals to save others and support what is
right. They do not discriminate against gender or race, unlike the Ibo society that
treated men with more respect