Things Fall Apart

Analyze Okonkwo's feelings for Enzinma and Ekwefi, and how they relate to his fear of weakness.

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He admits that he is especially fond of Enzinma, yet chastises her for the way she is sitting, telling her to sit in the acceptable way for a woman. He also rebukes her for not having as much sense as her younger sister, Obiageli. Okonkwo's feeling for Ekwefi is much the same. He works hard to earn enough money to pay her bride-price so that she will leave her husband and marry him. She is considered a village beauty in her younger days. Okonkwo also treats Ekwefi with great severity, beating her regularly and even trying to shoot her. He cannot allow himself to feel any emotions or weakness, so he feels he must outwardly prove that he is strong, with no feelings for anyone.