Fear In Things Fall Apart

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Societal Associations with Fear


Throughout Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, we see an underlying theme of weakness, the abhorrence of those who are weak, and the pride that comes from being strong. In a society that requires a certain amount of strength for survival, this attribute is not to be taken lightly. However, as a society becomes more “civilized” and requires its people to not need the same type of strength, why is it that we still place an inordinate amount of importance on the idea that might makes right? It is this underlying theme that jumped out to me from the novel. Why in present society is it so important to be the strongest?
Things Fall Apart takes place at a crucial time with reference to this question. We bear witness to Okonkwo, a man who puts the utmost importance in strength, at the tale end of a society that requires it. As his community transitions into a colonized society, he feels he lacked the strength to preserve his way of life and as a result, feels weak. It is this importance placed on strength that I wish to talk about. In present society how many people each day let themselves be pushed around and as a result lead very sad and often suicidal lives? Okonkwo ends his life at the culmination of the book for a number of reasons. He has lost the respect of his tribesmen, he has lost his family, his land, his honor and most importantly, he feels he has lost the town.
Pride possesses Okonkwo’s every fiber. He was once the greatest wrestler in nine villages, he has five skulls from battle and he has risen above his station. He has reason for pride. He claims that the reason for his success is the strength that he has. However, as we read the book, it becomes remarkably clear that Okonkwo’s strength is driven by fear and as a result is not the hero we suspect. Okonkwo was perpetually terrified that he was going to lose: lose his money, his crops, and his respect. He const...