The Main Character In Any Of The Literature Books: Okonkwo (Essay Sample)

Character Analysis: Okonkwo
Contents
Title Page
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….... 2
Roles of Okonkwo …………………………………………………………………. 2
Dynamism…………………………………………………………………... 2
Round character …………………………………………………………..... 3
Protagonist …………………………………………………………………. 5
Characteristics of Okonkwo …………………………………….............................. 6
Physical characteristics ………………………………………………….… 6
Comical characteristics ………………………………................................. 9
Connections to the themes ………………………………………………………... 11
Journey and destiny ……………………………………………………..… 11
Death …………………………………………………………..................... 12
Works Cited ………………………………………………………………….……. 14
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Character Analysis: Okonkwo
Introduction
Things fall apart is a novel set in the post-colonial era. The relative thrilling and enlightening book gives a deep insight into the developments in the African community, with leadership hurdles being at the center of the conflict. The book is authored by the celebrated African novelist Chinua Achebe and has since attracted global attention. It focuses on the life of the protagonist, Okwonkwo who is an Igbo leader and a wrestling champion who is highly regarded within his local community. Achebe points out that he was “well known within the nine villages and beyond…” (Achebe 3). However, the protagonist lives in constant fear, unsure of what leadership entails. The book also focuses on aspects of British colonialism and the influence of Christian missionaries on the African community. The various themes in the story are driven through strategic character interactions with some of the key characters highlighted in the book including Ekwefi, Unoka, Nwoye, Ikemafuna, Ezinma and Obierika among others. This essay focuses on the life of the protagonist, Okwonkwo, delving deeper into his character traits, roles in the novel and relation to the themes.
Roles of Okonkwo
Dynamism
However, he also exhibits characteristic dynamism. This is evident when he defies his traditions to adopt a boy who was orphaned following the murder of his parents. Notably, the boy was from a rival community hence his decision to adopt the boy was a direct contravention of the societal values that he was expected to uphold as a leader. This aspect predisposes him to opposition, leading to fears that his leadership regime would crumble (Aggarwal 221). However, it is a representation of humanity and care for others. It is a sudden shift from his killer self to a caring self. Another expression of his dynamism is shown when he shifts from the sympathetic leader who adopted Ikemafuna and gives in to the demands of the villagers to kill the boy. His participation in the murder of his adopted on bolsters his role as a symbol of societal values. Despite the love he had for his adopted son, he appreciates his position as a servant of the society and accomplishes their will.
His dynamic nature is not limited to killing his adopted son. He is also seen as a symbol of change. He plays this role by suppressing his emotional perspectives in order not to be considered weak. He is thus plays the role of rigidness and boldness which was expected of a leader during the post-colonial era. He acknowledges that his father was emotionally weak and wishes not to emulate him by maintaining his cool during the burial of his adopted son whom he had just killed. Further, Okonkwo symbolizes the inability to effectively suppress emotions. His life is a testament that all crimes must be paid for (Aggarwal 222). While he had the option of dissenting the killing of his adopted son, he participated in it. This criminal activity was naturally paid for through strategic influence of the forces of nature. He is unable to contain his emotions effectively. Neither does his decision to alienate himself from Nwoye help. Overcome by emotions, he kills another boy accidentally. Consequently, he is banished from the village for seven years in line with the Igbo customs.
Round Character
He not only plays his roles as protagonist and dynamic character. He also shows roundness by aligning to the basic forces that govern humanity. NNb defines a round character as one who behaves as expectable in real life situations. For instance, his decision to adopt the boy is in synchrony with humanitarian expectations. In many instances, traditional African leaders exhibited sympathy which compelled them to adopt sons. However, they limited their adoptions to within their societies. His decision to adopt a bo...