ings and elders" (Achebe 8). Okonkwo has, however, tragic flaws, his fear of ending up like his father and his fear of seeming weak. The clan in Umuofia not only warred with other villages, but also warred within its own borders such as when Okonkwo killed the messenger:
             In a flash Okonkwo drew his machete. The messenger crouched to avoid the blow. Okonkwo's machete descended twice and the man's head lay beside his uniformed body. The waiting backcloth jumped into tumultuous life and the meeting was stopped. Okonkwo stood looking at the dead man. He knew that Un
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