Okonkwo is the clear representation of tradition since his whole life depends on the traditional Ibo culture. The white man also very clearly represents change which is almost always unstoppable. During Okonkwo's exile, which he describes as “seven wasted and weary years,” (162) a Christian church established itself that brought with it many of the white man's customs. Okonkwo's return to a changed culture is very jarring and he does his best to re-establish the same position he once had. Okonkwo “was determined that his return would be marked by his people.” (171) After Okonkwo returns and is disappointed that his return was not widely celebrated, he meets Obierika and they discuss what happened. Their meeting ends with the disappointing realization that “[they] had fallen apart.” (176) Okonkwo has been gone too long and has been unable to assist his people against the coming whites