By definition, a tragic hero is someone usually of elevated status who has numerous character flaws, leading to the person's ultimate demise. In Chinua Achebe's novel, "Things Fall Apart," Okonkwo, the protagonist of the story, fits all parts of the tragic hero definition. Although he may not have been royalty, as is common in classic literature, Okonkwo was nonetheless considered elite among his clansmen. It is evident then that his pride in accomplishments, his disappointment in occurring events, and his lack of self-awareness all contributed to his eventual decision to commit suicide.
             Okonkwo was not born into wealth and prestige; rather, he had to toil on his farm in order to achieve distinction in his village. To illustrate the significance of Okonkwo's position, the novel says, "And so although Okonkwo was still young, he was already one of the greatest men of his time. Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered" (8). It was mentioned in the story that Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and beyond, it is thus inevitable that he would eventually become arrogant. The pride that he felt in himself led Okonkwo to believe that he would be able to accomplish any given task. It was because of his abundant praise, that Okonkwo began to place extreme and nearly unattainable expectations of himself, "Okonkwo saw clearly the high esteem in which he would be held, and he saw himself taking the highest title in the land" (172). When he would fail to complete a task that he had set himself to accomplish at a high standard, he would cause self-inflicted degradation.
             Okonkwo's lack of resiliency in unfortunate events caused him even greater despair than his failed attempts to achieve. For instance, when Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna, the book gives information about his reaction to the situation, "Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ik...