Leading by Example : Things Fall Apart

     In the novel Things Fall Apart, the main character, Okonkwo has a high status and is well-respected in his village. He is known for his hot temper, introverted attitude, and insecurities. Throughout chapters 1-8 we see how his hot temper comes into play when he beats his third wife and shoots at the second one. My question is why is Okonkwo viewed as the epitome of a man in Igbo society? He constantly disobeys rules that are set and given to him. The two that occur within chapters 1-8 are when Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna after he is told not and when he beats his wife during peace week.
     There is a point in the novel when Ikemefuna is told he his "going home". In reality, the were sending away so he could be killed. When Okonkwo found out the news that Ikemefuna was going to be killed he was warned to stay out of the killing by Ogbuefi Ezeudu, an elder in the village. It is a part of the African culture, like most cultures, to respect elders. However, Okonkwo lets his insecurities of being weak overwhelm him and he partakes in the murder of his adopted son. This is not the only event in which Okonkwo goes against culture and tradition, he does at well during peace week.
     The Igbo people have a tradition called the week of peace. During this week, they partake in no violent acts or start arguments. But of course, Okonkwo goes against this because he allows his anger to overtake him. His wife Ekwefi went to get her hair plaited or braided and he became angry. Since he beat his wife during peace week, Okonkwo's punishment is to pray to the gods.
     From what I can see Okonkwo shouldn't be considered the epitome of the Igbo man. He beats his wife without reason, disregards that orders of elders, and goes against the Igbo tradition of peace week. In my opinion, someone that is looked up to and described as a leader should lead by example. With the knowledge I have on Okonkwo at this moment I can't consider him to be someone worthy of looking up to.