Things Fall Apart Quote Analysis

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Okonkwo is a tragic hero because he could have been great, but his temper was his flaw and got the best of him in the end. “He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quickly enough, he would use his fists. He had no patience with unsuccessful men. He had had no patience with his father.” p.4 This quote is explaining how sometimes Okonkwo’s temper gets out of control. Okonkwo was on his way to greatness because he was a great warrior and was known throughout for defeating Amalinze the Cat. The book starts off by saying, “Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame is rested solid on personal achievements,” p.3 Okonkwo is a great wrestler and is very accomplished, but his temper can fly out of control when he sees weakness.…show more content…
His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children.” p.13 When something was done wrong, or Okonkwo is in a bad mood, often Okonkwo beats his children because of his temper. His father was a lazy man and died without a title, so he thinks that strength is the key to survival. In the end, when the missionaries take over and things start to fall apart, everything is too much to bare. Okonkwo has never showed weakness, but the weight on his shoulders has built up through the years. “Okonkwo was deeply grieved. And it was not just a personal grief. He mourned for the clan, which he saw breaking up and falling apart, and he mourned for the warlike men of Umuofia, who had so unaccountably become soft like women.” p.183 At last, in a last attempt to act strong, he killed the messenger. His spear acted before his words because he was angry. After that, everything was too much for Okonkwo and he commits suicide. Okonkwo could’ve been alive if it wasn’t for his

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