Gaining acceptance from others is a burning desire that resides within each of us, yet none dare admit it. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe reveals that respect and honor are highly valued in African culture. The novel's protagonist, Okonkwo, is so concerned about the clan's opinion of him that he is forced to make irrational decisions. His choices not only have a negative effect, but also an irreversible impact on those he truly cares about. Okonkwo's fear of social disapproval leads him to hurt others. Okonkwo rejects his children due to his insecurity regarding the clan's opinion. Appreciates strength and masculinity. Okonkwo not only does not see these qualities in his son Nwoye, but also recognizes how weak and feminine he is. Okonkwo is so ashamed of his son that he “will not have a son who cannot hold his head high in the clan meeting. I would rather strangle him with my own hands” (33). Okonkwo's uncertainty about the clan's opinion leads him to make drastic statements, such as threatening to kill his son, to prove himself worthy of society. Okonkwo would rather not have a son than have one that would tarnish his reputation. As a result, he repudiates his son. When Okonkwo explains to Obeirka his disappointments with his children, he reveals his pain over Ezinma's gender when he states that his “children do not look like me […] If Ezinma had been a boy I would have been happier. He has the right spirit” (66). Although Ezinma has all the masculine characteristics that Nwoye lacks, she is a girl. Okonkwo cannot accept his daughter because in Ibo culture women are inferior to men. Therefore, Ezinma's masculine traits are useless. Complications of the kind of Ezinma which and......middle of paper......wn well-being. Although Okonkwo wants nothing more than to be with his son, he chooses to listen to the Oracle and kill an innocent boy because he does not want to be thought of as a coward. Okonkwo ultimately inflicts pain on himself when he kills the son he has a special bond with just to prove himself worthy of the clan. Okonkwo's fear of not gaining the clan's complete approval leads him to impose pain on his loved ones. After witnessing Okonkwo's irrational decisions, it is clear that this inclination can do more harm than good. Gaining acceptance is not just limited to Africans, but is a universal desire of all human beings. Yet pleasing everyone is a mere illusion. This leads to the question of why humans try to gain everyone's approval, even if it means going to extremes. These great lengths show exactly how dangerous a burning desire can be.