The strong sense of masculinity that contributed to Nkonkwo’s success led him to believe that he was invincible above all else, yet it was also the very sense that responsible for his downfall. Masculinity preoccupied Okonkwo’s actions and thought process, in fact, the best compliment that he was able to give his beloved daughter was “She should have been a boy” (Okpewho, 2003). The importance of womanhood was emphasized throughout the story – highlighted by the fact that they contributed to the wealth of the family, reared the children, as well as partaking in an important role of an oracle of the tribe. Masculinity might have spearheaded all the successes, however, femininity was held sacred and respected. Nkonkwo’s lack of respect and kinship to women resulted in his catastrophic failure as a man – his demeaning actions to women were often frowned upon and deemed unacceptable my most. In fact, he was inconsiderate enough to beat his wife during the week of peace – considered a taboo among the tribe and also a direct insult to the goddess. His action was not well received and as a result, he was fined by the priestess of the tribe. Nkonkwo further insulted the goddess by inadvertently shot and killed one of the clansman during a funeral, which resulted in his exile from the tribe. “It was a crime against the earth goddess to kill a clansman, and a man who committed it must flee from the land” (Achebe, 1958). The importance of femininity was again shown in this event; all the prize and prosperity that Nkonkwo had achieved was hinged upon the mercy of a priestess – showing that his masculinity was not at all influential in saving his position in the tribe. In fact, it was the very factor that contributed to the destruction of his character and livelihood. His hope and ambitions of acquiring additional titles and to become the leader of
The strong sense of masculinity that contributed to Nkonkwo’s success led him to believe that he was invincible above all else, yet it was also the very sense that responsible for his downfall. Masculinity preoccupied Okonkwo’s actions and thought process, in fact, the best compliment that he was able to give his beloved daughter was “She should have been a boy” (Okpewho, 2003). The importance of womanhood was emphasized throughout the story – highlighted by the fact that they contributed to the wealth of the family, reared the children, as well as partaking in an important role of an oracle of the tribe. Masculinity might have spearheaded all the successes, however, femininity was held sacred and respected. Nkonkwo’s lack of respect and kinship to women resulted in his catastrophic failure as a man – his demeaning actions to women were often frowned upon and deemed unacceptable my most. In fact, he was inconsiderate enough to beat his wife during the week of peace – considered a taboo among the tribe and also a direct insult to the goddess. His action was not well received and as a result, he was fined by the priestess of the tribe. Nkonkwo further insulted the goddess by inadvertently shot and killed one of the clansman during a funeral, which resulted in his exile from the tribe. “It was a crime against the earth goddess to kill a clansman, and a man who committed it must flee from the land” (Achebe, 1958). The importance of femininity was again shown in this event; all the prize and prosperity that Nkonkwo had achieved was hinged upon the mercy of a priestess – showing that his masculinity was not at all influential in saving his position in the tribe. In fact, it was the very factor that contributed to the destruction of his character and livelihood. His hope and ambitions of acquiring additional titles and to become the leader of