Masculinity In Things Fall Apart

Juliana Horowitz published an article with the statistic” “23% of U.S. men believed that, if needed, men should use violence to get respect.” This is a scary percentage of men who believe that violence is used to earn respect and demonstrate the glorified idea of toxic masculinity. Throughout the novel, the reader will learn about the culture and traditions held closely by the Ibo tribe. They will also learn how the treatment differs between males and females. Lastly, Achebe expressed the value of masculinity that the Ibo tribe expects. The novel Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua Achebe, portrays a detailed version of the flawed idea of masculinity by including traditions, culture, and the expectations of masculinity in everyday life.

Okonkwo, along with the rest of the tribe, views Christianity as a threat to their current customs. Members of the Ibo tribe who feel unsatisfied with their cultures and traditions start to follow Christianity, which diminishes the superiority Okonkwo, and others in his position of power feel over their tribe. If there are fewer people following their culture, who had lower-level positions, to admire their victories, those victories quickly start to

An oracle had prophesied that Ikemefuna needed to die so the tribesman decided to execute this plan by telling him that he would be returning home. The oracle had instructed Okonkwo to not kill Ikemefuna as he is like his father, however, “Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down” (61). Although fate and oracles are a huge part of Ibo society and culture, Okonkwo chooses to go against the oracle's prophecy. He was willing to still follow through with his plan, even though he knew that it could fall under the crime of killing a relative just to avoid looking weak and feminine. Okonkwo is very depressed that he has killed Ikemefuna and Ezinma always brings him his food three times a day, constantly reminding him that he needs to eat. On page 64, Okonkwo thinks, “‘She should have been a boy,’” Okonkwo wishes that Ezinma were a boy because she is very spirited and brave, and more manly than his actual sons. He also has a close relationship with Ezinma whom he values very much. He wants to hold this special connection with his sons, but his value of masculinity prevents him from admitting these feelings. Masculinity is very valued in the Ibo culture, which oftentimes results in regrets and negative