Nwoye and Okonkwo

     In the novel, Nwoye is seen as very weak and unhelpful in the beginning. Okonkwo sees him becoming lazy like his father and he has basically given up hope on his son. When Ikemefuna comes to the village to live with Okonkwo, he is very shhy and is depressed because he misses his family. After a while, Nwoye and Ikemefuna start talking and they develop a strong bond. This relationship helps with Ikemefuna's depression and Nwoye's laziness. Nwoye looks up to him and is motivated to become more like the man people want him to be. He finally enjoys being asked to do the tough chores in the household and likes to help out around the house. He and Ikemefuna begin to sit in Okonkwo's obi rather than listen to Okonkwo's wives tell stories. It it is also said that Nwoye goes on rants about the problems and troubles that women cause him. Okonkwo likes this part of Nwoye because it is a very apparent trait that Okonkwo shows on a regular basis. I do not like how Okonkwo supports this behavior; however, this is part of the Igbo culture as a patriarchy, so what seems to be disrespect is not seen as unexceptable. It is hard to imagine having to disrespect your mothers ans sisters in order to gain respect in the eyes of your father.