Humans have the notion that when one fails, they become weak; however, it is possible to succeed and be weak at the same time as well or to be weak, but not fail. In the novel Things Fall Apart, the protagonist, Okonkwo, a powerful clan leader of the tribe of Umuofia, is seen slowly deteriorating to the point of self-destruction. The reason being not due to failure, but of weakness. Chinua Achebe demonstrates the idea that failure does not always correlate with weakness, which is portrayed throughout the novel through diction and irony by the character of Okonkwo, predominantly in the quote, But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness (13).
As Umuofias leader, Okonkwo is portrayed as a hard working and successful man from the perspective of the clan; however, Achebes use of language shows the reader Okonkwos tragic flaw, which is the fear of failure and looking weak like his father, Unoka. It is clearly stated from the beginning of the novel that Okonkwo was ruled by one passionto hate everything that his father Unoka had loved. One of those things was gentleness and another was idleness. (13) Achebes use of the words hate and love symbolizes the contrast and conflicting personalities between Okonkwo and his father, for Okonkwo is influenced by power and masculinity, while Unoka is influenced by compassion. Okonkwos fear is reflected through his temperamental guise, for he associates masculinity with violence; however, it is clear to the reader that on the inside, Okonkwo is compassionate, but by allowing his fear to run his life, he comes off as aggressive.
Driven by his own fear, Okonkwo strives to attain his wealth and status in order to support his wives and children, as well as the clan in general resulting in isolation and weakness. Although Okonkwo does everything in his will to not end up like his father, Unoka has spoken a few wise words to his son.
