Introduction
The character of Okonkwo in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is doomed to a tragic fate from the beginning, as the author sets the disastrous tone as early as the book’s title and epigraph. In an attempt to control everything and everyone, Okonkwo neglects the higher powers, the traditions, and the need to be on good terms with those surrounding him. Okonkwo’s tragic fall starts with a significant flaw, which is a total fear of weakness and the desire to have power over everyone, and ends with a catastrophe, which is manifested in suicide.
The Fall of the Tragic Hero in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart
Okonkwo’s encroachment, or violation of a spiritual and social order, is vivid from the beginning. The hero is presented as the one whose fame “rested on solid personal achievements” (Achebe 1). After defeating Cat, a famous wrestler, Okonkwo is considered a strong, fierce, and impatient man (Achebe 1). Others avoid conflicts with Okonkwo’s tribe, Umuofia, and “would not go to war against it without first trying a peaceful settlement” (Achebe 15). However, the main hero’s strength makes him self-proud, leading to his thinking too well of himself and poorly of others. Okonkwo’s fear of becoming weak like his father makes him behave in an overly controlling and cruel manner, which indicates the stage of encroachment.
The complication of the hero’s problems is evidenced in his further relationships with the people of the tribe and his family members. He tries to correct his son’s behavior by “nagging and beating” (Achebe 16). On one occasion, he beats up his youngest wife during the Week of Peace despite others’ pleading not to do that because he is not the man “to stop beating somebody halfway through” (Achebe 29). Hence, in his attempts to set order around him, Okonkwo’s complication stage can be seen, as he is too harsh in his treatment of others and sees nothing wrong.
Okonkwo’s reversal of fortune is inevitable as he violates the oracle’s word and takes part in the killing of Ikemefuna, the boy who considers Okonkwo to be his father. Although Okonkwo has also grown much sympathy toward the boy, he “cut him down,” being “afraid of being thought weak” (Achebe 53). At this point, the hero’s fortune leaves him, as Okonkwo overestimates his power to such an extent that it cannot be overlooked.
The anagnorisis for Okonkwo comes with Ezeudu’s death as the main hero realizes that something terrible is about to happen. Okonkwo recalls that the last time Ezeudu visited him, the older man warned him against participating in the murder of Ikemefuna. Hence, upon hearing about Ezeudu’s death, “a cold shiver ran down Okonkwo’s back” (Achebe 100).
The bad news follows very soon: Okonkwo accidentally kills Ezeudu’s son at the funeral, which leads to his exile and, ultimately, to his village becoming deserted and later filled by missionaries. A series of events brought about by Okonkwo’s overly oppressive leadership ultimately leads to his catastrophe. He hung himself and would not be buried by his clansmen, as taking one’s own life is considered “an offense against the Earth” (Achebe 167). As such, Okonkwo commits a ritual atonement, which ends his tragic hero’s downfall.
Conclusion
From the start of Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo seems doomed to a tragic fate. His behavior toward his family and clansmen indicates his unwillingness to be on good terms with everyone. Okonkwo passes through all stages of the hero’s fall, beginning with violating the spiritual order and ending in a catastrophe, ultimately preventing him from being buried with dignity.
Work Cited
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Books, 1994.