In Things Fall Apart, Achebe strove to give a humanity and dignity to his fictional habitants of the Igbo village. No where is this more present than in the relationship between the central character Okonkwo and his sickly daughter Ezinma. While there do exist the cultural restraints within their relationship, it doesn't take much analysis to see the love Oknonkwo feels for his daughter. He himself says "If Ezinma had been a boy I would have been happier. She has the right spirit," (Achebe, pg. 62). While through our 21st century lens this may seem insulting, because of Oknonkwo's beliefs, wishing she was a boy because of her spirit could not be higher praise.
The love in their relationship is further evident when Oknokwo is alerted of Ezinma's sickness. When Ezinma's mother initially disturbs Oknonkwo to inform him of the news, based on everything that had happened prior I anticipated a physical confrontation. However, when he is told he "sprang from his bed, pushed back the bolt on his door and ran into Ekwefi's hut," (Achebe, pg. 72).
Okonkwo does his best to nurse the child back to health, but as one of his earlier children was unfortunately named, I feel that in the end "Death may please himself".
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