Things Fall Apart as a Tragedy

Introduction:
"Things Fall Apart," written by Chinua Achebe, is a seminal work in African literature.
Published in 1958, it tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud and respected Igbo leader in pre-
colonial Nigeria, whose life unravels due to internal and external forces. While often celebrated
for its portrayal of Igbo culture and critique of colonialism, "Things Fall Apart" is also a tragedy
in the classical sense. This assignment aims to explore how the elements of tragedy are
manifested in Achebe's novel.

Abstract
Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart transcends the boundaries of a simple historical novel. It is a
powerful and poignant tragedy that explores the downfall of a protagonist, Okonkwo,
intertwined with the larger collapse of his Igbo society under the onslaught of colonialism. This
essay will analyze how Achebe employs the key elements of tragedy to evoke emotions of pity
and fear in the reader, ultimately leaving a profound impact on our understanding of cultural
loss and the human condition.

Okonkwo: A Tragic Hero

At the heart of Things Fall Apart lies Okonkwo, a character meticulously crafted to embody the
tragic hero. He possesses the necessary qualities outlined by Aristotle - nobility, a tragic flaw,
and a fall from grace. Okonkwo is a man of exceptional strength, both physically and
metaphorically. He has risen above the perceived dishonor of his father, Unoka, through hard
work and adherence to the rigid ideals of masculinity within Igbo society. His victories in war
and wrestling matches establish his reputation as a brave and respected warrior. However, his
relentless pursuit of this masculine ideal becomes his tragic flaw. Okonkwo's fear of weakness
and femininity manifests in his harsh treatment of his wives and children, particularly his son,
Nwoye, who shows an affinity for the new religion. This flaw ultimately blinds him to the
complexities of the changing world around him.
Okonkwo's tragic fall is meticulously portrayed by Achebe. The accidental killing of
Ikemefuna, a young boy entrusted to his care, marks a turning point. The act, though
unintentional, is considered an abomination. Okonkwo stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his
error and carries the burden of guilt silently. This incident isolates him from the community and
foreshadows his future alienation. The arrival of the white missionaries and the erosion of Igbo
traditions further isolates Okonkwo. He clings desperately to the old ways, viewing the new
religion as a threat to his identity and culture. His final act of defiance - the killing of the white
messenger - leads to his exile and ultimately, his suicide. This act, considered cowardly by the
Igbo, seals his tragic fate.

The Inevitability of Tragedy

Achebe skillfully employs the concept of tragic inevitability to heighten the impact of
Okonkwo's downfall. The very title, borrowed from W.B. Yeats' poem "The Second Coming,"
foreshadows a sense of impending doom. The cyclical nature of Igbo society, with its emphasis
on upholding tradition and ancestral reverence, stands in stark contrast to the linear progression
of the colonizing forces. This creates an underlying tension, suggesting that the clash between
these two worldviews is inevitable.
Furthermore, Achebe uses the symbolism of the locusts to represent the destructive force of
colonialism. The locusts arrive just as Okonkwo is exiled, highlighting the disruption of the
natural order and the devastation brought about by the white presence. This reinforces the sense
that Okonkwo's personal tragedy is entangled with the larger tragedy of his cultural demise.

Pity and Fear: The Cathartic Effect

Through Okonkwo's experiences, Achebe evokes emotions of pity and fear in the reader,
fulfilling a key aspect of tragedy. We witness a man consumed by his flaws, struggling to adapt
to a changing world. His downfall is not entirely his fault, but rather the consequence of societal
pressures and the overwhelming force of colonialism. We feel a sense of pity for his misplaced
rigidity and his inability to see beyond the confines of his culture. His tragic end leaves us with
a sense of loss, not just for Okonkwo but for the Igbo way of life that is being irreversibly
destroyed.

The fear evoked in the reader stems from the recognition of the universal human struggle.
Okonkwo's fight to preserve his identity and values resonates with the fear of change and the
loss of control that we all face at some point in our lives. The novel compels us to confront the
complexities of cultural clashes and the potential for misunderstanding and violence when
different worldviews collide.

Beyond the Tragic Hero: A Community in Decline

Things Fall Apart transcends the limitations of a singular tragic hero. The narrative also focuses
on the broader tragedy of the Igbo community. The arrival of the missionaries disrupts long-
held traditions and beliefs. The introduction of a new legal system undermines the authority of
the elderly, further weakening the social fabric. The Igbo struggle to reconcile their own gods
with the Christian God, highlighting the loss of their cultural identity.
One can argue that Okonkwo's suicide is not just a personal tragedy but a symbolic act that
reflects the despair and hopelessness felt by the entire community. His act becomes a potent
symbol of resistance against the overwhelming forces of colonialism, even though it ultimately
fails to achieve its goal.

A Call for Empathy and Understanding

Achebe's masterful storytelling encourages readers to move beyond a simplistic view of
colonizer and colonized. We witness the flaws within Igbo society, particularly the rigid gender
roles and the violence associated with certain traditions. This challenges stereotypical portrayals
and compels us to recognize the complexity of both cultures. Through Okonkwo's tragic
downfall, Achebe issues a call for empathy and understanding. We are forced to confront the
devastating consequences of cultural clashes and the importance of recognizing the value of
different traditions.

A Legacy of Resistance and Resilience

Despite the tragic ending, Things Fall Apart also celebrates the Igbo spirit of resilience. The
community's adherence to their traditions and their initial resistance to the white presence
showcases their strength and cultural pride. Even Okonkwo's final act, though tragic, can be
interpreted as a defiant gesture against an oppressive force. The novel serves as a testament to
the enduring human spirit and the importance of holding onto cultural identity in the face of
adversity.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tragedy

Things Fall Apart stands as a powerful, enduring and timeless tragedy. It transcends the genre
by offering a multifaceted exploration of colonialism, cultural identity, and the human
condition. Achebe's masterful use of tragic elements evokes emotions of pity and fear, leaving a
lasting impact on the reader. Through the tragic downfall of Okonkwo and the decline of the
Igbo society, the novel serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive forces of colonialism
while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. It compels us to recognize the complexities
of cultural clashes and the importance of empathy and understanding in a world increasingly
defined by difference.