"When Unoka died he had taken no title at all and he was heavily in debt. Any wonder then that his son Okonkwo was ashamed of him? Fortunately, among these people a man was judged according to his worth and not according to the worth of his father. Okonkwo was clearly cut out for great things. He was still young but he had won fame as the greatest wrestler in the nine villages" (Achebe 8).
"Individuality is a threat to a harmonious society"
I qualify this statement. Okonkwo, the main character of "Things Fall Apart" is a very self-made character. After watching his father, what most people look up to as a role model, fail miserably at life he decided he didn't want to be anything like his father. His father being an unsuccessful man who died in debt, was no role model for Okonkwo. Because of Okonkwo's individuality he was able to create a better name and life for himself than the one his father led. Although Okonkwo lays down rules with an iron fist, he does so because of his fear of becoming anything like his father. But this fear could possibly heighten and lead to great harm for his surroundings (wives, children, etc.). Therefore, I conclude that although individuality is important to society because of the great values it presents (hard work, dedication, etc.), it can lead to great danger for society as the individual's fear of loosing their successes presents tension and anger.
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