When Things Fall Apart

4 Pages 892 Words

Things Fall Apart

Okonkwo, for all his strength, possesses many weakness, which slowly led him down the road of grief and pain; and ultimately to suicide. This main character in Chinua Achebes’ novel, Things Fall Apart, lives his life on a stage. He lives for the respect and approval of others, which is his first fault. Secondly, he lives trying to make up for his Fathers failures by becoming as successful as he can. Thirdly, he is rash and impulsive. His faults lead him to a life of unhappiness. His fear of failure and appearing weak, in time, make him weak. His weaknesses and most of all his impulsive personality drive him to suicide. Okonkwo’s own nature becomes responsible for his death.
Okonkwo’s world consists of nine villages. To him, there is nothing beyond this nine-village realm. Each one of these villages posses their own beliefs, practices, standards, and form of government. One of the standards set for men in Okonkwo’s village is to be manly and command as much respect as possible. Okonkwo succeeds in this pursuit and thus receives the respect he so desperately desires. As read on the first page of the novel, “Okonkwo was well known throughout the villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements.” (Pg. 1) The achievement of most importance was beating a wrestler, who for seven years, had never been put on his back. More achievements come as Okonkwo continues in his quest for the approval and admiration of others.
This shallow pursuit makes Okonkwo impatient of those who are not “as great” as he. For example, in a meeting of the tribe’s elders, Okonkwo calls a man womanly and states that; “ this is a meeting for men.” Okonkwo did this for a few reasons. He did it because he knew that he was of status also the man he insulted did not posses any titles and thus Okonkwo felt as if he were better than this man, and therefore had the right to insult him. The reader sees how O...