Yeah I agree with your perspective - Okonkwo's obsession with masculinity probably stemmed from his fear of becoming like his father (forgot his name), or at least that was how I interpreted it

It is true that the tribe doesn't completely detest kindness but they don't actively encourage such behavior either as part of their values (compassion, generosity, etc.). I think it is understandable that Okonkwo interprets his tribe's values to become a hyper-masculine warrior, especially since his father's laziness and inaction brought such shame to the family (not a misinterpretation, but a rather extreme one). It can be interpreted that an individual is judged solely based on the contributions made to the tribe, regardless of how compassionate they are. However, if the tribe did encourage kindness above all else, I believe he would have been less abusive and less prone to the mistakes we see him make later on.

@@seichang00 I hope you are still aware that this is a work of fiction crafted by one man, Chinua Achebe and that your interpretations are limited solely to the novel and not extended to the real life society where the novel was set, because their values don't really agree with your theorizations?

Okonkwo does have an inner nature of kindness but dare not to show it. For instance, on the time when Ekwefi was running into the darkness to follow Chielo, Okonkwo pretended to be cool with it, taking out his snuff-bottle from his goatskin bag and seemed to be ready to relax for the night. However, he sneaked out and went around and around the area/cave where Chielo took Ezinma. When he saw Ekwefi outside the case, he gently asked her to go home to have some sleep. Also over the three years when Ikemefuna was assigned to live in his household, Okonkwo developed a fondness for the young lad. He went on to kill Ikemefuna follow the order of the Oracle but became deeply saddened for a few days afterwards. These two cases both indicate Okonkwo has empathy and compassion deep inside. He dares not to display in front of people because he does not want to becomes, or be viewed like, his father. This alone is because of his love and sense of responsibility for his family, because he does not want his sons to suffer poverty, hardship, and humility the way he did.

My interpretation was not just that masculinity may have been a part of the society. But many times in the story , tribal leaders, members of, family. Tried to explain and teach him the value of feminine traits, the importance of women and the value of their roles in society.

The most profound part of this story for me was when Okonkwo realized that his tribe no longer spoke as one. Because he was always distracted by, trying to be unlike his father and prove himself as a masculine provider. That he never realized , the clan never spoke as one. How could they, when the woman couldn’t speak with the clan, or the 0utcasts. Even his own son couldn’t speak or feel loved by his clan. And it’s so sad Okonkwo never realized that.

Bro he killed his surrogate kid because he wanted to look good

​@@fatherlessbehavior1038 I think the key part was "without mentioning the missionaries." The point is that neither were good and one should not be elevated above the other

lol thats what i'm doing right noww. 3 dayssss

3 1/2 hours to plan then do it.