The first question that should be asked when one begins to read is, “What exactly can I learn from this story?” In the story Things Fall Apart there are some themes that are developed throughout the entirety of chapters 1-9. One such theme is the idea that compassion is not a sign of weakness. It can be clearly understood through all of Okonkwo's actions in the book. Okonkwo was a man who stood firmly by his beliefs: a true man should show no weakness. This was easily seen when it was stated that he beat his son, Nwoye. He thought his son to be lazy and therefore “sought to correct him by constant nagging and beating.” With this information one could infer that he feels that he cannot show compassion to anyone who is weak, however…show more content… One such idea is that a lack of compassion can spawn from the fear of weakness. This is portrayed vividly when Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna. Directly after Ikemefuna is killed, the reason behind this action is revealed: “He was afraid of being thought weak.” With this Okonkwo's fear is made blatantly clear as he killed the boy he grew to love as a son. The reason he could not show compassion was because of his fear: the fear of weakness. However, later in the story it is revealed that compassion can overcome his fear. This is portrayed when his daughter, Ezinma, becomes ill. His wife, Ekwefi, came to him with her concern for their daughter. Okonkwo immediately sprung to his feet and got the materials to make medicine for her. His concern shone through when he roared at Ekwefi, “You must watch the pot carefully...and don't let it boil over.” He also let his compassion shine when he held Ezinma down to take the medicine. The passage states, “Ezinma struggled to escape from the choking and overpowering steam, but she was held down.” This was a sort of tough love. It conveyed his love for his daughter clearly with no