The Rise and Fall of a Fighter: An Intimate Exploration of Okonkwo as an Analogy in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Catherine T. Timson
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart focuses on the character Okonkwo and his role within his Nigerian tribe during the pre-colonial and colonial eras. In the opening of the novel, Okonkwo is described as a powerful fighter who has risen up the ranks in his tribe’s hierarchy; while he is well-respected by others, he is also greatly feared for his short temper and aggressive tendencies. Due to an accidental act of violence, Okonkwo is exiled from his Igbo village for seven years, and in his absence, his tribe is overcome by English colonists. This research essay argues the idea of Okonkwo being an analogy for the loss of traditional Nigerian culture to English Christians. This analogy will be addressed by exploring the psychological reasoning behind Okonkwo’s toxic masculinity, the jarring theological change the tribe undergoes in his absence, and how his suicide represents surrendering to a higher power.

Keywords: Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, Africa, Nigeria, Okonkwo, Colonialism

Topic(s):English

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA