Essay On Okonkwo In Things Fall Apart

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The novel Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, follows Okonkwo’s life and his clan who live in the village of Umuofia. Okonkwo’s father, Unoka is a laid back man who was largely in debt and carried no titles. Okonkwo vowed he would not become his father and as a young boy and strove for greatness. Getting his start by winning a wrestling match, he grew to be a self-made man and accumulated many titles, land and strong relationships with important people in the village while in Umuofia. Okonkwo can be referred to as a tragic hero. Because he is a superior man in the society, he has much to lose and allows his insecurities and flaws get the best of him. He is tragically flawed with characteristics of excessive pride and a fear of showing weakness …show more content…
Throughout the novel Okonkwo holds a high place in society. Yet because his pride gets the best of him, he performs minor wrongdoings such as killing Ikemefuna and beating his wife on the Week of Peace. Each of those crimes can be forgiven for however, killing Ezeudu’s son can not be overlooked and Okonkwo is ultimately exiled. His exilation is the beginning of his downfall and showcases his tragic flaw. Because he is overly proud of himself and cannot show weakness, this accident can hardly be prevented. He then goes to his mother clan and is able to build a sense of community and friendship, yet it is not comparable to his life in Umuofia and the life he had there. After returning to Umuofia, he realizes that so much has changed, between Christianity and the new government that he cannot be himself and begins to feel like his position is being jeopardised. This is the point in which he recognizes his flaws. He realizes that his opinion towards the white men may be incorrect but would rather kill himself with undamaged pride then allow himself to be subjected and tortured by the Christians. Because of his superior mindset and various achievements, Okonkwo is flawed with excessive pride which inhibits him from accepting change, exhibiting weakness and ultimately leads him to a harsh downfall ending with a

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