Things Fall Apart: Critical Analysis.
In Achebe's, Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo emerges as a traditional hero of the Igbo Village. However, his hidden desire to be the antithesis of his unsuccessful, "feminine- father elicits his own volatile, self-destruction. It is Okonkwo's inner, psychological fear that compels him to commit three personal errors, break the laws against the Igbo Tribe, and rebuke his only son, Nwoye. Okonkwo is described as a "strong- man whose life is dominated by fear and anger. He has a slight stammer and uses his fists when words do not come quickly enough. Although Okonkwo was "not a man of thought but of action" (Achebe 69), he did consider that it was his destiny to be a brave man, and become a traditional hero of the Igbo Village. .
Okonkwo believes that when a man says yes to greatness, his "chi- would concur. The central image of balance is contained in the Igbo concept of "chi."" This idea occurs throughout Achebe's novel. A persons "chi" is their destiny, their inner self, and any bad luck that occurs, people of Igbo culture would say that you have a bad "chi." Okonkwo's own destiny is marked by bad luck. He is completely driven by the fear of resembling his father. Achebe explains early on that Okonkwo: "Had no patience with unsuccessful men. He had no patience with his father" (Achebe 4). This passage reveals his struggle to repress part of his personality that leads and dominates every aspect of his life. It also suggests that Okonkwo hated that his father was unsuccessful, and not respected by the Igbo people. .
Despite his determination for greatness, strict adherence to the ideals of his clan, and the respect of his fellow clansmen, Okonkwo possesses hamartia or a great fault. Although Okonkwo demands greatness and commands respect among his people, his father, Unoka is described as great failure among the Igbo people. Unoka was quite an unsuccessful man, yet flexible and understanding.