The Igbo village consists of numerous similarities to our modernized world. These places, one located in Africa in the 1890s and the other in a free country called the United Sates of America in 2013, still shows unique comparatives. These comparatives are both historical and emotional. In the novel, the protagonist, Okonkwo, is a tough individual with strict morals that he abides by. These morals prove him to always display strength and never weakness. Throughout the bestselling book, award-winning author Chinua Achebe tells of Okonkwo’s struggle in this society. Achebe definitely tells a great tale of an African tribe individual who has frequent ups and downs, which can relate to current events.
Throughout the story Okonkwo has a reputation for being a perfectionist. For example, Okonkwo expressed his perfectionist techniques by being one of the best harvesters in the village. This correlates to our modern world because many sports players can’t stand to be anything but number one. A great model for someone who has to be number one is LeBron James. The basketball star is similar to Okonkwo because he always displays strength and wants to be the best of the best. In any language or culture in order to be the best, you have to work for it, and Okonkwo portrays that by putting in the hours to harvest his crops. In addition, this hard work pays off by earning money, which pays for life’s necessities.
Everyone has sophistications involving his or her family in some form. Here, the villager stumbles upon many problems with his family. In particular, he has problems with his father. The Umuofia clan leader is embarrassed with his father’s laziness and constant borrowing of money. Unoka’s (his father) weakness drove him to become someone who resists weakness. For instance, Okonkwo brought great integrity to his village in a wrestling match by beating Amalinze the Cat, a wrestler who has been undefeated for seven years. This relates to a “rags to riches” mentality, which is how many people become superstars today. A pleasant example of this mentality is the famous talk-show host and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey.
