Consider Okonkwo as a tragic hero

Answer

Consider Okonkwo as a tragic hero. [2021] ✪✪✪

Or, “Okonkwo’s whole life was dominated by fear, and the fear of failure and weakness.” Elucidate. [2018]

Or, Who is the protagonist of the tragic novel “Things Fall Apart?” Justify your answer. [2017] 

Or, Is Okonkwo destined for tragedy or do his choices lead him to his tragic end? Explain. [2015] 

A modern tragic hero is an ordinary person who faces inner conflict, makes mistakes, and suffers because of life’s struggles rather than fate. Okonkwo is such a character in Chinua Achebe’s (1930-2013) “Things Fall Apart” (1958). He is a strong and proud man of Umuofia. The novel shows his rise and fall in a time of significant change. Okonkwo gains fame through hard work and courage, but his inner weakness leads to his downfall. He fights against fear and change but loses both peace and honor. In the end, his life becomes a true tragedy, which proves him to be a tragic hero.

Noble Position and Fame: Okonkwo begins as a noble and respected man in his clan. He becomes famous for defeating Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling match. He works very hard and earns his wealth without help. The narrator says, 

“Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and so he ate with the kings and elders.” 

This means that he gained honor through his own effort. He marries three wives, owns many barns of yams, and takes two titles. 

Fear as His Tragic Flaw: Every tragic hero has a flaw that brings his fall. Okonkwo’s flaw is his great fear of weakness and failure. He hates everything his father loved. As the narrator says, 

“Okonkwo was ruled by one passion—to hate everything that his father Unoka had loved.” 

This fear controls his actions. He becomes harsh, impatient, and cruel even to his family. He beats his wives and children to show that he is strong. This flaw slowly turns his strength into destruction.

Wrong Decision and