Things Fall Apart

 
       In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is abusive towards his wives and children.  There are various passages in which Okonkwo disrespects his wives, especially Ojiugo.  During the week of Peace, Okonkwo beats Ojiugo for taking a few leafs from the banana tree.  It seems that he just took his anger out on Ojiugo, which is not right.  After this event, it shows that Okonkwo has a hard time to control his anger, but if he doesn't control it he can end up doing something severe.  I think that Okonkwo shouldn't be afraid to portray his emotions.  He is so caught up with the fear of becoming like his father that it prevents him from truly connecting with his children.  He notices that one of his children, Nwoye, is not as hardworking as he thought he would be and he is not proud of it.  Nwoye reminds Okonkwo of his father and that is kind of the reason he is too harsh on Nwoye, so that he can mature and become a man.  Men appear to be pressured under the stereotype of gaining power and having strength, also they are the ones who are depended on the most to provide for their families.