Things Fall Apart
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 conflic
As a result of his never ending drive for success, Okonkwo had two barns of yams, and three wives. He shows a need for physical activity and violence. As punishment, Okonkwo was banished to his mothers homeland for seven long years. Okonkwo feels love for this boy, even wishing he was his natural son instead of Nwoye. During this exile, the people of Mbanta allowed the first Christian missionaries to establish a church. Okonkwo is seen demanding more of life, than life can give. Ironically, Okonkwo committed the female portion of this crime. He was one of the few people who stood true to his culture and refused to watch it die out. Even though his love was real, Okonkwo is unable to show his emotions. Okonkwo is always looking for some sort of confrontation. This phobia also made Okonkwo hide his love and emotion in fear that his manliness would be questioned. He was terrified of becoming his father, and losing his image and respect, which he worked so hard to achieve. Okonkwo's ultimate fear in life is becoming like his father Unoka. Ikemefuna, was brought to their tribe as a hostage. He unintentionally killed Ezeudu's 16 year old son.
Common topics in this essay:
Ironically Okonkwo,
Ultimately Ibo,
Fall Apart,
Chinua Achebe,
Hills Caves,
Unoka Unoka,
Ezeudu Okonkwo's,
Ikemefuna Ikemefuna,
fall apart,
Umuofia Infuriated,
tragic hero,
throughout novel,
okonkwo tragic hero,
okonkwo infuriated,
enormous impact,
novel apparent,
okonkwo father,
becoming father,
african culture,
okonkwo's death,
Book Review,
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Acceptance Essays
