An Analytical Essay on the Flaws of Okonkwo in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart :: Things Fall Apart essays

The Flaws of Okonkwo in Things go along Apart     Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all. (Aristotle). In Chinua Achebes novel Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is living proof of Aristotles statement. Although he is arguably the most powerful man in Umuofia, His personal flaws of fear of failure and uncontrollable anger do non allow him true greatness as a human being.       Okonkwo is one of the most powerful men in the Ibo tribe. In his tribe, he is both feared and honored. This is observable by this quote, Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond... He brought honor to his tribe by throwing Amalinze the Cat...(3) This suggests that in Okonkwos society, power is attained by making a name for yourself in any way possible, even if that concocts debateing and wrestling to get your fame. Although honor is a good thing, when people have to fight to gain it, it becomes an object of less adoration. Okonkwos prosperity was visible in his household... his own hut stood behind the only gate in the red walls. Each of his terzetto wives had her own hut... long stacks of yams stood out prosperously in the barn... Okonkwo offers prayers on the behalf of himself, his three wives, and eight children. (14) Okonkwo has also worked and tended to his crops in a very zealous fashion, and drives everyone most him to work as hard as he does. Because of this, he earns his place as one of Umuofias most powerful men. In many cultures, a monumental family is a source of pride. Although Okonkwo is not always pleased by his children and wives, it also brings him a source of pride to have three wives and eight children. Large families mean that the head of the family is able to support all of them. Okonkwos devotion to his crops and family gives to him the respect that any father and husband deserves, and in his culture, being able to figh t and kill as well gives him even more influence and power.       Okonkwos first and most prominent flaw is his fear of becoming a failure.