Okonkwo

Definition of hero: a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Things Fall Apart takes place in the 1890s where Okonkwo’s life was very violent, always surrounded with fire. One could argue his major actions were heroic because he was in fact a hero; he was admired by his tribe, who also had outstanding achievements, qualities of a hero. Ever since his early life, Okonkwo was driven to such an violent person because of he wanted to be everything opposite of his father was. He couldn’t stand being lazy poor and in debt like his father. Ever since Okonkwo was young he had a mind set to be as successful as possible and has done some memorable things for his tribe starting early, “His fame rested on solid personal achievements….brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat.” (p1) That was the main part to his success as a hero was his war-like characteristic. But there are many other things that make an impact to him heroism

Other than his action of throwing the Cat, Okonkwo had big family, and lots of yams to support them with which made his family look up to him as a hero. Okonkwo’s fierce actions makes him a hero also because for the kids to not end up like their grandfather Okonkwo had to constantly make them work and scold them harshly for any laziness. Aside from his war side of things, killing five men during wars, he was a leader to his tribe. He wanted the best for the tribe when things were going wrong “He mourned for the clan….. he mourned for the warlike men of Umofia who had unaccountably become soft like women.” (p183) His major action to want to kill the white men was heroic but was brought down upon his tribe. Before the destruction of the church, “they had listened to him with respect. It was like the good old days again, when a warrior was a warrior” (p192) Okonkwo was happy for the first time in a while with the decision to destruct the church and he brought pride