Okonkwo has a very bad temper and his three wives are living in fear with him. An analysis of Okonkwo's psychology shows that his aggression is rooted from a subconscious fear of being a failure like his father. He hates his father's ideals and principles of idleness and gentleness. Since Okonkwo is consumed with fear of becoming like his father, he beats and reprimands his twelve-year-old son named Nwoye out of concern that his son will become lazy.
