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
ts. 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 Okonkwo has an obsession with success. This obsession manifested itself in many materialistic ways. One example of this is when Okonkwo was forced to borrow seeds from a wealthier man. He hated to do this, but realized it was his only opportunity to become the man he longed to be. This longing for success resulted in Okonkwo starting adulthood at a very early age. He began to cultivate his farm before almost all of the other townsfolk. This, unfortunately led to the disaster of his first years crops, due to the early rainfall. Okonkwo, a man obsessed with success, believed that by surviving that year he could survive anything. Okonkwo also valued his physical strength as an element of his success. He took pride in being known as the best wrestler in all the nine villages. " (Okonkwo) was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look... When he walked his heels hardly touched the ground and he seemed to walk on springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody" (Achebe, 3). Not only did Okonkwo possess this incredible strength, he also possessed great wealth. As a result of his never ending drive for success, Okonkwo had two barns of yams, and three wives. In the Ibo culture it is looked upon favorably to take more then one wife. It is said that Okonkwo became a very successful man due to his diligent cultivation of the energetic, yet somewhat aggressive qualities, which were most admired in Umofia.
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Approximate Word count = 1411
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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