Unoka and Okonkwo lived different lives and held different views. In your opinion, between Unoka and Okonkwo, which of them did more damage to their family lineage and why? Write one paragraph and make sure to use one quote from the text to support your thinking.

Rubric

/The student has a claim identifying the character who did the most damage to his family's lineage and a reasoning for it.

- /The student has a properly cited and introduced quote from the text supporting their claim.

- /The student is able to sustain their claim and evidence with well developed thoughts.

In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," Unoka and Okonkwo, father and son, lead contrasting lives that significantly impact their family lineage. Unoka, Okonkwo's father, is depicted as a carefree and imprudent man, known for his musical talents but criticized for his inability to succeed materially. Unoka's negligence and inability to provide for his family contribute to the family's struggles, creating a legacy of poverty and lack of prestige. This is evident when Okonkwo reflects on his father's legacy, stating, "Unoka was, of course, a debtor, and he owed every neighbor some money, from a few cowries to quite substantial amounts." Unoka's financial irresponsibility has lasting consequences on Okonkwo's life and his perception of success. While Okonkwo's strict and aggressive nature has its own damaging effects on the family, Unoka's legacy of poverty and debt sets the stage for the struggles faced by the subsequent generations. Ultimately, Unoka's financial irresponsibility does more damage to their family lineage, shaping Okonkwo's character and influencing the challenges faced by his descendants.