Okwonko Analysis

How does Okwonko develop themes in the text as a tragic hero?

Okwonko, the protagonist of Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart, has been introduced by Achebe, as a leading character who doesn’t tolerate weakness, during the early stages of the post-colonial novel. Various assumptions are made by the readers about Okwonko as a result of direct and indirect characterizations made by Achebe, who describes Okwonko as “tall and huge”, and who implements, the idea of fearing weakness and failure in the protagonist. As the novel progresses, we are introduced to the theme of fate vs. free will, which was clearly represented when Okwonko kills Ikemefuna (Okwonko’s adopted son who he loved, but feared of showing sympathy towards, fearing that others would think of him as weak as his father) after being advised to not interfere. However he killed Ikemefuna in order to show enhance his manly-hood in the eyes of the Igbo people. His fate then later on takes over his free will, since he takes his own life by hanging himself, which is considered to be a shameful and disgraceful death like his father's. This opposes his views regarding being masculine and the achievements that he accomplished as he wished to become a more dominant leader. This all leads to Okwonko being a tragic hero. Although he was a superior character, however his tragic flaw brings upon him his own self-destruction, which was lead by violence, anger and masculinity.

What is the purpose and function of Okwonko in Things Fall Apart?

Okwonko represents the African community going through the struggles of colonialism of the Western nations. The characteristics of Okwonko show how some people refused to joined and give in to the colonialism, and instead stood their grounds and held on to their traditions and morales. Okwonko did not find support from the Igbo people, which represents the very few Africans that refused to accept the white culture as their own. The way Okwonko died describes the conditions that the Igbo people faced along with various African communities, showing that opposing the white culture results in death.