Okonkwo's deficiencies

Okonkwo is hailed as a great warrior and the prime example of a "man" in Igbo society. He has recieved many titles, fought in many wars, and is very strong. He strives his best to gain prestige and rise above all else. However, he has many shortcomings that will lead him to his untimely end. Okonkwo hates and despises all forms of feminity, and tries to assert his dominance by beating his children and wives. He stubbornly sticks to his ideal of what a man is, without knowing what it is to be a "human." He regrets the time spent in his mother homeland, where he could have learned what it means to be a family, instead planning about what would he do to rise up again when he returns to his old village. Even with the old man's lecture of how "mother is supreme," he didn't take it to heart and only acted to keep up his appearance. Failing to notice so many things, he also is unable to accept change. When the missionaries started appearing and winning people to their faith, Okonkwo sees them as unsightly and detestable, failing to see that his son has been won over by them. Even worse, he tries to prevent Nwoye from going to them by beating him, which had the opposite effect. Okonkwo continued to be stubborn until his life was finally extinguished. Such is the flaws of this "tragic hero".