Okonkwo took his own life in result of all of the changes that had occurred in his society, Ibo. Throughout the entire novel he struggles to become accustomed to all of the changes taking place in his tribe of course. Okonkwo was always known to have initially a reputation as one of the most mighty, honorable tribesmen.
As the white men begin to arrive, the other tribe members start to change as a result, especially his son Nwyoe. Okonkwo thinks that the other clansmen are weak just like his lazy father. As we all know weakness is his biggest fear. He attempted to remain strong and bold against the tide of change, but he soon figures out he is solitary.
In act of rebellion Okonkwo kills the colonial official in attempt to "save" his tribe from the weak white men. Sadly, no one else stepped up and supported his beliefs. He becomes desperate, only to choose the worst way to die, suicide. Instead of allowing himself to be found and handed over to the "weak" white men. -Melenny Gallardo
I believe that Okwonko commited suicide because he felt as though he could no longer exist in his clan, because it became weak and feminine. Everything he felt as though he worked towards had become irrelevant under the rule of Christianity. Realizing that his tradition of Igbo no longer exists, he commits this act that is seen as forbidden. Or at least used to be seen as forbidden, when the Igbo had power. -Elisabeth Magana
ReplyDeleteI agree that he felt that he no longer belonged in he clan, a sense of being lost after committing the forbidden act. -Rebecca Jones
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