Final answer:
In Chinua Achebe's novel 'Things Fall Apart,' Okonkwo viewed his father, Unoka, as lazy. This perception influences Okonkwo's actions and fears, as he aims to be the antithesis of his father. The correct option to describe how Okonkwo felt about his father is 'lazy.' The final answer is lazy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart, the protagonist, Okonkwo, harbors strong feelings about his father, Unoka. These feelings are foundational to understanding Okonkwo’s character and motivations throughout the story. Okonkwo perceives his father to be incredibly lazy, which is in stark contrast to the other options presented (cruel, caring, wise).
Okonkwo's disdain for his father stems from Unoka's lack of achievement, his debts, and his status as a poor, unsuccessful man which greatly embarrasses Okonkwo. Unoka was seen as weak and effeminate, traits that Okonkwo sought to avoid at all costs in his own life. The intensive shame Okonkwo feels towards Unoka's laziness and lack of warrior-like qualities propels Okonkwo to strive for success and to be perceived as strong and hardworking.
Throughout the novel, the conflict between Okonkwo’s fear of weakness and his effort to be everything his father was not is a recurring theme. Okonkwo’s perception of his father significantly shapes how he conducts his own life, treats his family, and interacts with his community.