Thoughts about Things Fall Apart #2

Things Fall Apart surprised me, especially Okonkwo.  The great and well respected warrior of Umuofia, Okonkwo, killed himself.  I did not expect someone whose name is held so high to commit suicide, especially since he was against Christianity the whole time and for the religion of his village.  His religion looked down upon suicide as evil, and that made me even more surprised because I did not think Okonkwo would do something dishonorable towards his religion.  Throughout the book, Okonkwo felt things strongly, like when he killed Ikemefuna, and when Ezinma was taken.  He loved his family but pretty much disowned Nwoye when he converted to Christianity.  He was sad about Nwoye converting, but he was more angry than sad.  He had hoped that his sons grew up to be great and honorable like him (but not committing suicide like him obviously) and so he was greatly distressed when this happened.  Also, when Okonkwo was exiled, that surprised me.  I thought maybe the village would make an exception for him since he was a man with multiple titles and a man with great respect throughout the clan.  I feel that Okonkwo expects too much from his village and the people around him.  He has high expectations for all of his children, especially Nwoye and his other sons, but obviously not all of his kids can turn out to be as respected and "great" like Okonkwo.