The Problem with Okonkwo's Ambition

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Hello, wonderful friends. What a nice night we find ourselves in. Here's what I am currently having a problem with.

I find it awesome that Okonkwo worked very hard for his success. He reminds me a lot of my Dad and of other people that I know of who have worked up and worked hard to gain something out of nothing, and I am grateful for the something that I now have to build upon as a (young) man. I do think that Okonkwo has a bit of a problem, however, with his drive for ambition. The problem is that he can't accept what his father did in the past. Hard work is great and the reward is obviously handsome, but hard work also comes with enjoying the fruits of your labor, and being merry, and... not beating your wives. (Sorry, it makes me mad when I have to think about mistreating women looks like). Not to mention the fact that he treats his sons so harshly. I think it is important to prioritize love for your family, especially for your children. To lead them not with a heavy hand, but to lead them gently but firmly on the path to a greater success than your own. The problem with Okonkwo's ambition is that it will not end the cycle of his family. One of his sons will end up being lazy because his father enforced the work of life on him too hard, and he will be just like his grandfather, Unoka.

Nevertheless, what an enjoyable work, especially in terms of our previous readings. Until next time, friends.


I commented on Osten and Logan's posts.

Comments

Eliza Colbert said…
I completely agree with your assessment, but I find it interesting that Okonkwe does not. In assessing his own son's perceived failures, Okonkwe attributes it not to his own heavy handed methods but to the inevitable fact that laziness skips a generation. I'd say it's a cultural difference, but many of Oknonkwe's neighbors act more gently with their families than Okonkwe. I suppose it's just part of Okonkwe's character, and it ends up being part of his downfall.
March 2, 2020 at 6:17 PM
Cade Wood said…
I completely agree with you. I think drive and ambition are very good things to have. I think these two things can create a very comfortable life for someone in terms of jobs and money and such; however, if wrongly prioritized ambition nd drive can result in disaster. I agree the priority of loving one's family should come first.
March 2, 2020 at 9:01 PM
Clabo said…
I really liked the last point you made about the cycle of laziness and radical diligence. I had not thought of it in the way that his sons would not have wanted to grow up to be like him. I also completely agree with you in regards to the tribal treatment of women. It is just painful to read over those parts, let alone imagining what it would be like in one's head. All-in-all, good commentary man, you helped me see this from a different perspective.
March 2, 2020 at 9:19 PM
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