Things Fall Apart Analysis Essay Example

as a barn, title, or a young wife, Okonkwo lacked the opportunities that many young men had. Nonetheless, despite these setbacks, he had already commenced establishing the groundwork for a successful future during his own lifetime.

Despite the slowness and pain, Okonkwo approached his work with relentless determination, as if he were possessed by it (18). Prior to his success, Okonkwo had a challenging life, constantly working hard to maintain his huts and other possessions.

Okonkwo stands apart from those who have benefited from ancestral property. He can proudly claim that he labored for his hut and everything he possesses, a considerable triumph. His clan members hold him in high esteem for his diligent work ethic, resulting in his widespread recognition and respect.

Okonkwo possesses both fame and respect. It is not uncommon for individuals who are famous to lack respect. One's income does not determine the level of respect received; it is something that must be earned. Simply demanding respect from others does not guarantee its acquisition. Respect involves treating someone or something with special regard. Thus, despite his youth, Okonkwo was already regarded as one of the village's most influential figures.

Among his people, age was respected, but achievement was highly regarded. The elders believed that if a child washed his hands, he would be entitled to dine with kings. Okonkwo had indeed washed his hands, thus he had the honor of eating with both kings and elders (8). Dining amongst the kings and elders was considered a privilege.

Okonkwo is highly respected and regarded as one of the greatest men of all time, even at a young age. Unlike many others who go unnoticed, he gains recognition

from both the village members and the kings and elders.

Starting off one's life in such a positive manner is commendable. Okonkwo has indeed achieved great success, being a leader, hero, hard worker, and earning immense respect. His life appears to be flawless. However, as we all inevitably encounter difficulties and confront various challenges, it is possible to become overwhelmed.

As Okonkwo reaches the pinnacle of his life, he encounters a series of tragedies. In the midst of an attentive crowd, lies a boy drenched in blood. This boy happens to be the sixteen-year-old son of the deceased man. Together with his brothers and half-brothers, they were engaged in performing the customary farewell dance for their father. However, tragedy struck when Okonkwo's gun unexpectedly exploded, resulting in a piece of iron piercing through the young boy's heart. The ensuing chaos was unparalleled in Umuofia's history. Although deaths were not unusual or peaceful in this community, this particular incident surpassed them all and symbolizes a significant downfall for Okonkwo.

Despite achieving a lot, he committed the grave error of taking the life of an innocent sixteen year old boy. Although this was his mistake, it led to subsequent consequences. Despite his overall success, could this event mark the start of a new phase in his life? Can one's entire existence be altered by a solitary misstep? When a hero confronts tragedy, does it genuinely shape him into a tragic hero? A tragic hero is someone who was once highly revered but subsequently undergoes a devastating downfall.

Okonkwo's downfall and heroism raise the question of whether he can be classified as a tragic hero, particularly

in the context of an unintentional tragedy. According to the text, Okonkwo had no choice but to escape from the clan as killing clansmen was considered a crime against the earth goddess. Those who committed this crime were required to leave the land. The crime itself had two categories, male and female, with Okonkwo being guilty of the latter due to the inadvertent nature of his actions.

According to the text, the character had the option to go back to his clan after seven years, as mentioned in line 124. However, despite his previous accomplishments, they no longer exist. Initially viewed as a remarkable person, he is now perceived as a killer, causing his past virtuous actions to be disregarded.

Out of the blue, all of Okonkwo's accomplishments vanish and he is compelled to start afresh in his homeland. He is now responsible for himself and his family. They diligently strive to set up a new farm, yet the endeavor lacks the vigor and enthusiasm of youth. It resembles acquiring the skill of using one's non-dominant hand during old age.

He no longer found pleasure in his work as he used to, and when there was no work, he would sit in a half sleep. His life had revolved around a strong desire - to become one of the lords of the clan. That desire had been a source of vitality for his life. And he had nearly accomplished it. However, everything had been shattered.

"He had been the last outcast from his clan, like a fish gasping for air on a barren, sandy shore" (131). Okonkwo experiences profound sorrow following his expulsion from the clan, as

it represents the loss of his lifelong aspirations. Henceforth, his life takes a downward trajectory. The question arises: what prompts the erosion of a man's authority and leads to his downfall? In my perspective, arrogance plays a pivotal role.

Okonkwo has a high opinion of himself and disdain towards others, which is where he makes a mistake. Additionally, he struggles with anger problems.

He chooses to live guided by his emotions rather than his intellect. As a result of his choices, he must now begin anew with nothing. The reason behind his current circumstances is his newfound wisdom. Although he may have commanded respect from others previously, it is only through the accumulation of wisdom that one can truly live a life free from downfall.