Okonkwo and Ezinma

     As we know, Okonkwo is not the best at expressing his emotions and giving affection. Once we get deeper into the book, we see a slight change in his attitude, especially towards his daughter Ezinma. Okonkwo has a deep respect for Ezinma because she has traits that he would want his son, Nwoye, to possess. He feels like she is the only child that he has that will please him. For this reason, Okonkwo develops a soft spot for Ezinma.
     This metaphorical "soft spot" can be seen when Ezinma is taken by Chielo the priestess. When this happens Ezinma's mother goes after her. Okonkwo then proceeds to ask her what she is doing and once she says she is going after Ezinma he lets her leave. If this were to be any of his other children, Okonkwo might have scolded Ekwefi and/or beat her. This is a major event in the book because it is one of the first times Okonkwo subtly expresses his feeling towards another person.
     I also think that Okonkwo is more gentle to Ezinma because she is a female. In Igbo society, females were viewed as weak individuals. This process of thought could have also influenced Okonkwo's decision to let Ekwefi follow Chielo.