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Dramatic Irony
Foil
Explanation and Analysis—Okonkwo and Unoka:
Okonkwo and his father are foils, each representing archetypes of masculinity that oppose one another and thus offset one another's traits. Many of his fellow clan members consider Unoka "womanly"—an insult intended to humiliate and emasculate men in Umuofia. Unoka is impotent in the sense that he cannot perform many of the social and physical tasks associated with manhood, nor does he wish to. Okonkwo's father would rather play alongside other musicians than fight in a war.
Okonkwo, on the other hand, represents an archetypal ideal of masculinity held by those within his community. He is an accomplished farmer with three wives and several children; he has distinguished himself in war by killing five men; he holds several distinguished titles within his clan. Where Unoka's presentation of softer masculinity is simply a part of his character, Okonkwo's presentation of violent masculinity is extremely calculated. He makes himself into a foil for Unoka out of spite and anger, eschewing the femininity he finds shameful within his father. It is a deliberate choice on Okonkwo's part to become everything Unoka could not be. Unfortunately, this pursuit of a masculine ideal leads to misery and sadness for Okonkwo. It is ironic that, despite Unoka's perceived weakness, he remained happy through the end of his life.
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