Unfortunately, even after finishing the novel, my view on Okonkwo hasn't changed. In my eyes, he is still just a human being with violent tenancies. Again, I stress the point that for a person to be considered a hero in my eyes, he must have done something that has benefited a person or a society etc. Okonkwo may have been a war hero, but to me, that is a totally different type of hero.
Although Okonkwo died for his beliefs (or maybe he was just really fed up), he didn't really accomplish anything apart from murdering an overly talkative/egotastic village-mate. Perhaps his action led the village into finally rebelling against the missionaries, but I doubt it.
I like the style of your post, Kitty. Short and to the point. You must be very passionate about your opinion of what a hero is. Other people try to find the true meaning behind his actions, and maybe even some good qualities of Okonkwo, but you looked more at the big picture, which was that he honestly didn't do anything to help his village, which is what a true hero would do. I also agree with your last point; the village probably never will rebel against the missionaries. They grew to respect them and their culture so that they may live peacefully together, while Okonkwo was old-fashioned and wanted to stay loyal to the Ibo traditions. His lack of ability to grow and change is what led to his downfall.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agreed with you when you mentioned that there was different types of heroes like leaders who help change the society for the better. Then there are war heroes, which many might say are not heroes at all. I like how you assumed that when Okonkwo murdered the village-mate, it did not led to a rebellion against the missionaries. Plus, you are right when you say that he did not really accomplish anything too too important towards his community in his life.
ReplyDeleteHi Kitty,
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, you're right when you say Okonkwo did not accomplish anything important for his village and clansmen. I can see your point now, that even though he was greatly respected and looked up to, he did not do anything else worth glorifying other than winning a wrestling match. Even though he was a leader of his village, and a respected man, he beat his wives and children using violence to discipline them, and even when they did nothing wrong. I can see now how you would think he is not a hero but a coward who violently hit his own family. I can see now how his act of suicide at the end may be seen by some as cowardly and running away from his problems. Anyway, you have a very strong voice in your blog and your opinion was well and clearly stated :).