Despite his love for the culture into which he was born, Okonkwo, an esteemed member and warrior of the Ibo people of Africa, goes through a difficult time respecting the traditions of his tribe. Although he respects the customs of the tribe and the decisions of the elders, Okonkwo often makes rash decisions that cause unnecessary problems for him and his family. He strives to earn the tribe's respect, as well as make up for his father's "failed" life by presenting himself as the perfect man and warrior; however, his efforts towards honor always seem to end in dishonor. In a sense, the reasons for his behavior come from deep within Okonkwo himself, not from the culture of which he is a part. Compensation for character defects turns into overcompensation, which puts him out of touch with his community. In short, his sense and obsession with self-image acts as a catalyst for his actions throughout the book. There are many examples of Okonkwo's lack of adherence to Umuofian customs, for example beating his wife, Ojiugo, during the Week of Peace (28-31); beating wives and children for the most insignificant of reasons; and speak openly whenever you should remain silent. However, the one custom he breaks, and which causes the most hardship for himself and, arguably, his family, is the killing of his adopted son, Ikemefuna. Although the murder is prescribed by the Oracle of the Hills and Caves and is condoned by the village elders, neither the Oracle nor the other men of the village expect Okonkwo to take part in the murder; in fact, Ogbuefi Ezeudu, a highly respected warrior and elder of the tribe, suggests that Okonkwo stay behind when the other warriors lead Ikemefuna to slaughter. “. . . Umuofia decided to kill him,” says Ezeudu,… in the middle of the paper… his insistence on proving himself, as depicted in the killing of Ikemefuna and his other unbecoming actions, are the result of his constant need to impress. His desires to prove himself, become a respected member of the tribe, and maintain his image as a strong warrior combine with an inability to adapt to a changing world in the second half of the book ” (183) for the arrival of the Europeans and the changes they bring to the Ibo culture. Thinking that he can be the one to lead the effort to oust the Europeans from the land and restore the tribe's traditions, he commits yet another reckless act every time does not achieve the desired results commits his final transgression to tribal tradition: suicide Works cited Achebe, Chinua New York: Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., 1994. Print.