James+Last+Journal


 * Did Okonkwo make the right decision? (Did he have any other options? What should he have done?)**

"It is an abomination for a man to take his own life. It is an offense against the Earth, and a man who commits it will not be buried by his clansmen. His body is evil, and only strangers may touch it."

Okonkwo's decision was unworthy and disgraceful. He is a loser who couldn't even protect himself. He is a hypocrite who denounced his own culture and beliefs. He was once the bravest and the strongest man in the whole clan; however, his decision has made him a disgrace to his own culture. Now, he is "untouchable" by his clansmen since his body as well as his reputation is stained with dirt and shame. His decision to hang himself was obviously very dishonorable and foolish because he knew what the consequences would be. Plus, he always desired to become the highest and the most-respected man in the town. The foolish and "manly" actions always lead him to his tragedies and death like the death of Ikemefuna, his exile and his suicide. His suicide, as well as his emotional depression after the death of Ikemefuna, tells us that Okonkwo is feminine and weak after all. This was quite surprising, because Okonkwo pledged to defend his village even if it meant certain death to him. However, what caused his actions to be so surprising and unexpected was the fact that he had numerous other options that he could have carried on. He could have ran away from the village, gather people to fight their last battle or die manly. He should have just grabbed his machete, run to the white men's headquarter and slash all of them, just like he has slashed Ikemefuna and the messenger. Suicide should have been the last option or not even an option as it was shameful and abominable. As the story ends, we are left with another significant question: was Okonkwo manly after all?