Got Compassion?

When Okonkwo took his machete and aided in killing Ikemefuna, I almost threw up. He has a deep affection towards the boy and Ikemefuna calls him his father. That alone should make your heart wrench. What Okonkwo lacks is compassion. I personally believe that Okonkwo fears that everyone will relate him to his father, thus he must be ruthless in order to prove them wrong. But what he forgets is that "a man was judge according to his worth and not...of his father's." Okonkwo has turned bitter and cold and you almost feel sympathetic towards him. Almost.

Take a look at page 13: "Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness...it was the fear of himself..." I completely agree to this quote. Okonkwo would not be gentle with his children because his father was gentle. This causes him to push love and family apart from him. I would not be the least bit surprised if his son Nwoye choose not to be anything like this father.

The book so far is good. A bit boring at times but nonetheless has a great message. A good look at cultural enviornments and at times you can relate to it. My dad is a bit strict but deep down I know he still loves me. I just hope the Nwoye understands that before he becomes bitter just like his father.