After completing the novel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, and looking over my essay, I continue to believe Okonkwo is a hero. However, unfortunately for Okonkwo, he is a prime example of a tragic hero. Okonkwo demonstrates many noble characteristics throughout the novel, such as perseverance, bravery, and courage. Sadly, Okonkwo's fear to resemble his father ultimately leads to his downfall.
In addition to being recognized as a "man of war" and a great wrestler, Okonkwo also demonstrates his emotional heroism by continually trying to overcome the social handicap placed on him by his father (page 8). Becoming a well respected and high class individual in a community is not an easy task for anyone, especially if one is born without titles or wealth as Okonkwo was. Okonkwo shows bravery, determination, and perseverance by striving to overcome his status. He could have easily accepted his status and not have worked hard and challenged his community. Challenging one's community and finding success is no easy task no matter the circumstance and is worthy of great honor. Okonkwo's early success is fueled by his one passion; "to hate everything that his father Unoka had loved" (page 10). However, that same passion fueled Okonkwo's downfall.
Okonkwo, who's perpetually afraid of being thought of being weak like his father, leads him to act rather questionable in certain situations. For example, Okonkwo kills Ikemefuma, the boy who calls him father, because he is afraid his peers will find him weak. Ultimately, this fear leads to Okonkwo's suicide. When the Christians begin to take more control over his homeland, Okonkwo strongly advocates for his people to wage war on the European invaders. However, his community fails to recognize these strangers as a threat and is contempt to allow them to continue to settle in their land. Okonkwo sees this lack of action as an act of cowardice and fears his people have become weak. Instead of acting like the stereotypical hero of today and overcoming every issue that comes before them, Okonkwo is defeated by his tragic flaw. Okonkwo takes his own life. Okonkwo is truly the perfect example of a tragic hero.
I really enjoyed reading your last paragraph Nicholas. Although his fear does lead him to his downfall, it was also what made him such a hero. Okonkwo's stubbornness and unchanging ways certainly show his determination to be a man the gods would be proud of. I agree with the way he "challenged his community" and came out on top, regardless of all the problems he had to face. Great post Nicholas!
ReplyDeleteNicholas,
ReplyDeleteYour title is truly fitting for your response to your essay on "Things Fall Apart". I especially like how you keep refering to his father, but is he really his handicap? In my opinion, although Okonkwo has had a difficult childhood, he himself chose to make certain decisions in the novel. Regardless, I thought this blog post was really well written! Good Job!