The novel "Things Fall Apart", written by Chinua Achebe, shows the accomplishments, trials, and tribulations of an African culture. It deals with how the view and actuality of alteration effects all of the different characters. Okonkwo, the main character in Achebe's novel, believes that the measure of a man's success is based on two elements. The first element is material acquisition and growth, and the second is physical prowess. This seems rather ironic since the typical idea for success in the Ibo tribe is constructed of a complex, strong, spiritual culture, able to deal with change in traditional ways. Although Okonkwo is undoubtedly an important member of Umofian society, he is not a typical representative of that society. It is this evident dichotomy that develop's between Okonkwo and his own culture, which leads to his tragic downfall and ultimate disgrace.
             "Things Fall Apart" is a tragedy, and Okonkwo is the tragic hero. Okonkwo is superior to the townspeople of his tribe. "Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond"(Achebe, 3). He's an extremist. We're told throughout the novel how Okonkwo turns to physical violence whenever he can't think of words to resolve his conflicts. Achebe tells us, "His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper" (Achebe, 9). Okonkwo is seen demanding more of life, than life can give. For example, he asks his wife "when did you become such an old women" (Achebe 45). This is the start of Okonkwo's downfall from a life of happiness, to one of bleak misery. It is clearly stated throughout the novel that, "It is an abomination for a man to take his own life..." ( Achebe, 147). These facts exemplify Okonkwo's journey. Ultimately, the Ibo people's declination was tragic in it's nature.
             Throughout the novel, it is apparent that Okon...