Respect & Reputation

"... he was struck by Okonkwo’s brusqueness in dealing with less successful men. Only a week ago a man had contradicted him at a kindred meeting which they held to discuss the next ancestral feast. Without looking at the man Okonkwo had said. “This meeting is for men.” The man who had contradicted him had no titles. That was why he had called him a woman. Okonkwo knew how to kill a man’s spirit. (Chapter 4)

In the Igbo culture, men earn respect by their accomplishments such as; number of wives and children, yam crops raised, village fights won, and number of huts they own. It is easy to see why Okonkwo is respected. His hard work has earned material wealth for his family out of nothing. He has a large living compound, three wives, and many children. Okonkwo’s strong reputation and respect in the community has made him too prideful. His tragic flaw of arrogance and lack of pity for those less fortunate result in Okonkwo's downfall. I believe that pride is the root of any man's downfall. I think it is important to be thankful for what you have, and give to those in need. If I were well respected in the Igbo village, I would use my authority to help out the weaker and poor. This is what the wise would do.