Final answer:
The character Okonkwo from Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' demonstrates a complex range of emotions despite his outward displays of anger. Society pressures him to appear strong and unyielding, leading to a common misconception that anger is his only emotion. This complexity suggests the false nature of the claim that he only shows anger to avoid seeming weak.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Okonkwo has learned to hide all his emotions, except anger, so he won't appear weak is false. The character Okonkwo from Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart is indeed known for his reluctance to show any signs of what he perceives as weakness, which often results in displays of anger to mask his other emotions. However, this doesn't imply that Okonkwo only feels anger. Throughout the narrative, we see glimpses of Okonkwo's internal battles and his complex emotions, such as fear and worry for his standing in the community and the future of his children, particularly his concern that his son Nwoye is not living up to his standards of masculinity.
Understanding Okonkwo's emotions involves acknowledging the cultural context and societal pressures that lead him to act tough and unyielding. To suggest that he is capable of feeling only one emotion simplifies a deeply complex character and fails to recognize the intricacies of his internal life. When considering the pressure he feels to live up to the legacy of his father and his own aspirations within his society, Okonkwo's emotional depth is far greater than just outward anger.