Okonkwo's father dies in debt, with no titles to his name. Relate why Okonkwo does not have to worry that his father's reputation will be held against him.

In Umuofia, a man is judged by his own achievements, not his father's. Okonkwo is a great wrestler, a wealthy farmer, and has married his third wife by the time his father dies. Okonkwo is already considered a great man.