The novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe depicts the vicissitudes of Okonkwo, a Nigerian tribesman whose life is domineered by fear and anger. He resided in the Ibo village of Umuofia with his three wives and many children. Many villagers respected and admired his resilience, but Okonkwo was a vain individual. The villagers' flattery did not satisfy his ambition. He envisioned himself obtaining the highest title in the village. In his society men were castigated for displaying "feminine emotions" (love, mercy, compassion, etc.), and he lived in constant fear of being compared to his father Unoka, a lazy coward and debtor whom the elders gave the title of efulefu, or a worthless man. As a result, he became very concerned with his image. Dual personalities existed within Okonkwo, at times having courage, diligence, and regarded as a man of principle, yet often being weak, compulsive, and driven by fear. His commendable qualities, in spite of his many downfalls, were peerless in his clan, concerning greatness, at least.
             To Okonkwo, there was no greater virtue than valor, and he began to demonstrate his bravey at a young age. The story states: "As a young man of eighteen he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was a great wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino." In this way, Okonkwo established himself as one of the strongest and bravest men in all the nine villages of Umuofia. He also exhibited diligence. "Okonkwo did not have the start in life which many young men usually had. He did not inherit a barn from his father. There was no barn to inherit." Yet he overcame obstacles and was able to obtain a comfortable living. "Okonkwo's prosperity was visible in his household. He had a large compound enclosed by a thick wall of red earth." he also had three wives and many children with their own huts, which further reinforced his wealth. In addit...