By definition, a tragic hero is someone usually of elevated status that 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 vi

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 Ikemefuna...He did not sleep at night...He was so weak that his legs could hardly carry him" (63). This section in the novel is perhaps the most devastating to Okonkwo because he is the person that truly killed Ikemefuna. His desperation to remain great and uphold his reputation is the justification that Okonkwo used when he killed Ikemefuna, "...Okionkwo drew his machete and cut him [Ikemefuna] down. He was afraid of being thought weak" (61). Besides the death of Ikemefuna, Okonkwo was forced exiled from his village for seven years. In that time, his position as a man of influence in Umuofia, of course, diminished. Even through Okonkwo's attempts to mark a successful return, because the church had established itself in Umuofia, his return was not held in higher regard as he h

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Approximate Word count = 725
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)