The Character of Okonkwo in Chinua Achebes Things Fall...

The Character of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart What makes a successful man? This, in itself, is a culture bound question because it can vary from culture to culture. However, in the perception of Okonkwo, the main character in Chinua Achebes novel, Things Fall Apart, the measure of a mans success is based on two elements, material acquisition and growth, and physical prowess. This is ironic for Okonkwo since his peoples typical idea of success seems to be constructed of a complex, strong spiritual culture, seemingly able to deal in traditional ways with any challenge in nature and human experience. (Ravenscroft 9) Although Okonkwo is undoubtedly an important member of Umuofian society,†¦show more content†¦It is important to establish these facts because it exemplifies Okonkwos journey, and ultimately that of the Ibo people (as Achebe intended), as tragic in nature. As stated earlier, Okonkwo was obsessed with success. This manifested itself in many materialistic ways. First, he started out with nothing since he inherited nothing from his debt ridden father. He was forced to borrow seeds from a wealthy man. This was something he hated doing, but realized it was the only way to begin to become the man he wanted to be. I began to fend for myself at an age when most people still suck at their mothers breasts. If you give me some yam seeds I shall not fail you. (Achebe 16) Here we can see that Okonkwo started adulthood, in fact supporting his family, at a very early age. He began to cultivate his farm before many of the other townspeople. This unfortunately lead to disaster the first year since the rains came early and much of his crop wasShow MoreRelatedEssay about Role of Women in Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe1453 Words   |  6 Pagespromoted the growth of a woman’s role in society, does not mean women receive the same respect in other cultures around world. 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