Final answer:
Okonkwo's severe punishment in 'Things Fall Apart' serves to highlight the Igbo society's emphasis on tradition, communal harmony, and social hierarchy. It acts as both a deterrent and a means to maintain balance and appease deities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The severity of Okonkwo's punishment in Things Fall Apart indicates the importance of tradition and hierarchy within his tribe, as well as the emphasis on communal harmony and adherence to the laws. Punishments in many traditional cultures, not only Okonkwo's Igbo society but also examples like the Code of Hammurabi, or the Qin dynasty mentioned earlier, are tailored to reinforce social order, deter crimes, and maintain the status quo, often influenced by the social status. Severe punishments serve as a deterrence and demonstrate the weight of crimes against the collective unity.
Within the Igbo society, Okonkwo's action, which is considered a crime against the Earth goddess, is seen as an act that could bring misfortune or divine wrath onto the whole community. Thus, the severe punishment is not just for retribution but also to appease the deities and to restore balance. This illustrates that the tribe values collective well-being over individual circumstances, where personal atonement is necessary to maintain the harmony and sustainability of society.