Okonkwo- Character analysis

Due to Okonkwo being a tragic hero in the text ' Things Fall Apart,' he is able to develop certain themes throughout the novel. The theme of ' Culture vs. tradition' is a recurring theme that is present throughout the novel as it develops over time. Although Okonkwo abides by his culture's values and traditions, they inevitably set him up for his downfall. This is depicted through Okonkwo's resistance to change, better known as his tragic flaw. By displaying his resentment towards the new political and religious orders, it further confirms just how fearful he is, in terms of showing himself as effeminate and weak. He wishes to be nothing like his sorry excuse for a father, who was better known as a agbala (woman) throughout their village. Okonkwo perceives the idea of manliness through the act of aggression, due to him feeling that anger is the only form of emotion in which he should display. Another theme in which Okonkwo develops in the text as a tragic hero, is the theme of ' Fate vs. free will'. From the beginning of the novel, it clearly states that Okonkwo advances from being the son of a lazy debtor into a profoundly respected and influential clan leader. Nonetheless, when things began to go south for Okonkwo, he began to blame his fate. Okonkwo worked immensely hard, In order to return from exile a stronger and more put together man. Unfortunately upon returning from exile, Okonkwo's opportunity to seize stature in the eyes of the villagers was lost due to the alternated Umuofia. Achebe chose a tragic hero for his protagonist, in his colonial counter narrative in order to manifest the impact of the colonisation of the Europeans. Through the representation of discussing what not only Okonkwo went through but also the people of Umuofia and the escalation of the events, it assists in displaying just how much it impacted Okonkwo (hence leading to his death). Okonkwo plays a vital role throughout ' Things Fall Apart' other than being the protagonist. Okonkwo is in a sense the key to understanding the entire novel. Through the portrayal of the Igbo life, what they believe in, and what they have to deal with and face on a daily basis, actually opens up everyones minds to their reality. Ultimately, Okonkwo symbolizes the positives and the negatives of his village, culture and values.