Question

what does Okonkwo effort to follow the priestess say about him that might contradict what we’ve been led to assume about him ?

Answer 1

Answer:

Okonkwo's effort to follow the priestess shows his soft side and concern for family and love for his favorite wife Ekwefi.

Explanation:

From the novel Things Fall Apart by China Achebe, the main character Okonkwo is a successful farmer and hunter who is also renowned for his wrestling prowess.

He has a different view of masculinity, one in which he feels that there are some activities that are more 'manly' than others like hunting, wrestling and a general show of strength. Activities like farming, preferring female company over males, crying and showing excess concern is considered weak to the great warrior Okonkwo.

One of his favorite wives Ekwefi after many years of childlessness finally gave birth to an ogbanje girl --one who dies after a while and keeps reincarnation to torment the parents -- Ezinma.

After series of deaths and réincarnations, Okonkwo had to seek the help of Chielo, the priestess to find where Ezinma kept her hidden object of reincarnation so she won't torment her parents again.

Okonkwo, contrary to his 'masculinity' shows great concern and follows the priestess to ensure that this time Ezinma stays with them.