Things Fall Apart

...As Okonkwo raised his machette to strike the messenger, the unknown happened. Okonkwo surrendered. For the first time in his life, he backed down. In his mind, he has evolved into what he despised. He gave in to weakness. He feared that he no longer would be known as "Okonkwo the warrior"; now he would be viewed as the man who feared the messenger. He didn't know why he couldn't follow through with his intentions; but all he knew was that things would never be the same. Okonkwo left the meeting in silence. He refused to even make eye contact with the spectators. He headed for home.
Once Okonkwo reached his hut, he secluded himself from everyone. Once he was alone, he wept. Years of holding back his true feeling were coming out in a matter of seconds. He cried for his childhood, his father, and for Nwoye. Once he cleared his face, he acted as if nothing happened. However, he knew "Okonkwo the warrior" was dead.