Tragic Hero- Okonkwo

Throughout the novel, Things fall apart, Achebe evolves Okonkwo as a power hungry, self sufficient character which both personifies and opposes the Igbo culture. Okonkwo’s character is unique, we find that his tragic flaw is developing and gaining the qualities of his father, he does all in his might to abstain from turning into his lazy father, Unoka. Achebe skilfully manipulates Okonkwo’s character to be portrayed as one who suffers from Hubris, this pride and arrogance developed Okonkwo’s downfall, his main purpose was to remain in power and never to be perceived as weak, Okonkwo is presented further as a character void of emotions, as he believes showing emotion is a symbol of weakness. His killing of Ikemefuna, and beating his wife during the Week of peace have severe ramifications and lead to the murder of the boy at the funeral, which in turn leads to him being exiled, this is the peripeteia of the novel, which transforms his fortunes. Essentially, Achebe establishes Okonkwo as a tragic hero in order to evoke various emotions from the audience, the protagonist becomes an antagonist. Achebe utilises Okonkwo as a tragic hero in order to develop a downfall, which in turn progresses into tragedy, this enables the audience to connect with the character on an emotional level. Moreover, Achebe highlights to the reader that various actions have serious repercussions and in this case Okonkwo’s actions led to an internal conflict within the character. A character portrayed as being powerful, was now defeated into being powerless. Okonkwo’s actions defeated him physically and mentally, his actions led to his sorrowful and sinful death.