Okonkwo

Okonkwo is ruled by fear and anger, which takes part in his ultimate downfall. Okonkwo is a tragic hero because he is a man of importance brought down by a great amount of conflict within himself due to his tragic flaws and the dominating cultural influence that threatens change in a traditional society. He never shows his fondness for the young hostage, Ikemefuna, who eventually regards Okonkwo as his father.   It is also this flaw that causes him to beat his wife during the week of peace for, "killing this banana tree". His anger almost causes him to kill his second wife with a gun.   He feels very sorry for this act, but cannot show his true emotions.   The example of this is when the Oracle of the Hill deems that Ikemefuna must die, but not by Okonkwo’s hand, since he calls him father.Okonkwo is ruled by fear and anger, which takes part in his ultimate downfall. Okonkwo is a tragic hero because he is a man of importance brought down by a great amount of conflict within himself due to his tragic flaws and the dominating cultural influence that threatens change in a traditional society. He never shows his fondness for the young hostage, Ikemefuna, who eventually regards Okonkwo as his father.   It is also this flaw that causes him to beat his wife during the week of peace for, "killing this banana tree". His anger almost causes him to kill his second wife with a gun.   He feels very sorry for this act, but cannot show his true emotions.   The example of this is when the Oracle of the Hill deems that Ikemefuna must die, but not by Okonkwo’s hand, since he calls him father. [continues]

Read full essay