How does Okonkwo develop themes in the text as a tragic hero?
Throughout China Achebe's well renown novel Things Fall Apart, the main character Okonkwo is portrayed as a strong willed character that values his powerful and influential reputation amongst others. He is well respected, and shows little to no signs of weakness. The Novel itself, is a study of cross-cultural misunderstanding and the consequences to the rest of humanity when a culture or civilization takes upon itself to invade another culture. An issue throughout the novel that can be discussed in regards to the character of Okonkwo, is as to whether his character serves as a tangible idea of the values of Umuofia, or stands against them in conflict. One of the main events that eventually develops this theme of a "tragic hero" within the character is Okonkwo's capability to kill the young boy Ikemefuna. Yes, on one hand he is fulfilling his cultural values and traditions, but on the other hand it is a conflict between the character himself. Killing the young boy was meant so showcase his bravery and boldness amongst other members of the Ibo tribe.
Ideally, the story is centered around Okonkwo's character as he leads the reader through the events that occur. Based on his presentation at the beginning of the book, he is depicted as a strong and powerful character very much relatable to a tragic hero; a character who makes a judgement that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction. In Things Fall Apart, after Okonkwo accidentally kills his friend's son at his funeral he is exiled away from Umuofia for seven years. This contradicts with our original interpretation of Okonkwo as one to be of a strong willed and respected nature. In the end, Okonkwo's faults and self suffering leads him to committing suicide, his ultimate destruction.
Why does Achebe choose a tragic hero for his protagonist in his colonial counter narrative?
As Achebe chose for his protagonist to be in the form of a tragic hero in his colonial counter narrative. This can ultimately be seen as a way to victimize the character of Okonkwo against that of the missionaries/colonizers. As Okonkwo is the center of focus for this novel, it allows the reader to follow him from a state of success and strength, to his very demise at the end of the book.
What is the purpose of function of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart?
Having Okonkwo as the main character of focus in Things Fall Apart falls to the advantage of the reader. His character in general leads the reader through the story, from his rise to demise at the end of the book. Okonkwo is a clear depiction of the culture and ideologies of the Ibo tribe, which later falls apart as Umuofia is colonized and "torn apart" due to the colonization of the British missionaries.
Throughout China Achebe's well renown novel Things Fall Apart, the main character Okonkwo is portrayed as a strong willed character that values his powerful and influential reputation amongst others. He is well respected, and shows little to no signs of weakness. The Novel itself, is a study of cross-cultural misunderstanding and the consequences to the rest of humanity when a culture or civilization takes upon itself to invade another culture. An issue throughout the novel that can be discussed in regards to the character of Okonkwo, is as to whether his character serves as a tangible idea of the values of Umuofia, or stands against them in conflict. One of the main events that eventually develops this theme of a "tragic hero" within the character is Okonkwo's capability to kill the young boy Ikemefuna. Yes, on one hand he is fulfilling his cultural values and traditions, but on the other hand it is a conflict between the character himself. Killing the young boy was meant so showcase his bravery and boldness amongst other members of the Ibo tribe.
Ideally, the story is centered around Okonkwo's character as he leads the reader through the events that occur. Based on his presentation at the beginning of the book, he is depicted as a strong and powerful character very much relatable to a tragic hero; a character who makes a judgement that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction. In Things Fall Apart, after Okonkwo accidentally kills his friend's son at his funeral he is exiled away from Umuofia for seven years. This contradicts with our original interpretation of Okonkwo as one to be of a strong willed and respected nature. In the end, Okonkwo's faults and self suffering leads him to committing suicide, his ultimate destruction.
Why does Achebe choose a tragic hero for his protagonist in his colonial counter narrative?
As Achebe chose for his protagonist to be in the form of a tragic hero in his colonial counter narrative. This can ultimately be seen as a way to victimize the character of Okonkwo against that of the missionaries/colonizers. As Okonkwo is the center of focus for this novel, it allows the reader to follow him from a state of success and strength, to his very demise at the end of the book.
What is the purpose of function of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart?
Having Okonkwo as the main character of focus in Things Fall Apart falls to the advantage of the reader. His character in general leads the reader through the story, from his rise to demise at the end of the book. Okonkwo is a clear depiction of the culture and ideologies of the Ibo tribe, which later falls apart as Umuofia is colonized and "torn apart" due to the colonization of the British missionaries.
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