While in Mbanta during his father's exile, Nwoye is forced to convert to Christianity, although his father completely opposed to it. Once his father discovers his son's true intentions, Nwoye doesn't back down. Instead, he runs away, ultimately defying Okonkwo and his strict beliefs. Christian influence eventually becomes so powerful and manipulative that schools are introduced or "foreigners would come from elsewhere to rule them" (169). In response, Nwoye truly showed motivation for the first time since Ikemefuna's death and began attending Christian schools. Overall, the influence of Christian missionaries on Nwoye proved positive. After the arrival of Westerners, Nwoye gained confidence and understanding, even though it conflicted with what he knew before. His entire life was based on his father's opinions, but Nwoye was ultimately able to make his own decisions. By choosing to isolate himself from his father, even going so far as to tell Obierika that Okonkwo "is not my father" (137), Nwoye has grown as a person. Nwoye had the courage to oppose his father's oppressive regime and eventually attended the new college to become a teacher. After the arrival of Westerners, Nwoye