If you look at Okonkwo as the embodiment of Igbo culture,
which in many ways he is, he demonstrates some of the difficulties in dealing with
change that the other members of the tribe also have. His identity is tied so closely
to the traditions of the tribe, the titles he wants to win, the ways of becoming a
respected man, and the absolute necessity of appearing strong (of course amplified in
his case) make it impossible for him to consider any of the merits or even possible good
things about the entrance of the missionaries or the other aspects of white
culture.
His complete inability to communicate or accept or
break from any tradition actually led to him committing the gravest sin against mother
earth in committing suicide, but he is so bound to tradition that he sees no other
way.
At least in my reading of the novel, this is a
metaphor for the way that the traditional culture was also broken
down.
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