Okonkwo Study Guide

1. What are the distinguishing features of Ibo culture as presented in the novel? How do these features compare with what you learned from your search?

The distinguishing features of the Ibo culture seem to be the importance of farming and the yams, religion, respecting the elders, hospitality, and family structure. The yam is one of the major themes throughout the novel. Ibo life revolves around farming, and that is their major crop. Many of the proverbs that the people say include something about yams. The religion is polytheistic, and the worship of multiple gods really interests me. When the white men and their “iron horses” (bicycles) began to flood into Umuofia, I knew that their religion and culture was going to be pushed to the limits. As the missionaries told the people that what they believed was wrong, and that there was only one thing to believe, I felt a pang of grief for the Ibo culture as it would never be the same again.

2. Which elements of that culture are most comfortable to us? Which most resemble elements of our (your) culture? Which seem more foreign, more difficult to accept?

The elements of the Ibo culture that are most comfortable to me are most of it. I highly respect their hard working mentality. I love the fact that the people have such high respect for the people around them. Their system of justice seems extremely fair to me, and I love the fact that the punishment for killing another clansman is being banished. This eliminates a lot of cases of murder, even if the clan in Umuofia is a warring tribe.

3. In what ways does Okonkwo embody the values and principles of Ibo culture? What are the strengths of his character?

He is a man who makes his own way in the world. Though he grew up in poverty, he still was able to make his way to being one of the leaders of the tribe. He is one of the hardest workers in the tribe; he constantly is tending to his farm, having two barns full of yams each year. He is able to support multiple wives, making him a man of power, and has many children. He is accepted into the spiritual world and the justice system as he is one of the egwugwu spirits. Okonkwo is an excellent wrestler, and he is also a very good warrior. All of these traits are what the Ibo culture would consider excellent.

4. In what ways does Okonkwo deviate from traditional Ibo values? What are his weaknesses as a character?

Okonkwo is so afraid of being weak that he steps over the line in many places. He kills Ikmenefuna, who calls him father. He beats his wife and children during the week of peace. Okonkwo does not control his temper, and often beats his family members more than what normal people in the Ibo culture do. He is rash, and he makes decisions too quickly, and this leads to his suicide. (505)