Blog Post #23 - Tragic Hero

Chinua Achebe chose to characterize, one of the main characters, Okonkwo by using the tragic hero archetype. Chinua Achebe integrated the tragic hero archetype by creating a character who generally made a judgment error that lead to his own destruction. This archetype is commonly associated with the Igbo culture collapsing which ultimately is a result of Okonkwo's downfall. Throughout the novel, Achebe effectively included indirect characterization in which third narration was demonstrated. As readers work their way through the novel, traits of Okonkwo’s personality seeps through, showing his true colours. Okonkwo, although seen as a tragic heroic, stands stubbornly for the beliefs and tradition of the Igbo culture, by constantly being on the prowl to find new opportunities of achievement. Throughout many sections of the text, Okonkwo shows how much of a conflicted character he is, which was clearly seen when he indirectly tells the reader he doesn’t recognize duality although it plays a significant in the Igbo community. Okonkwo is a plays a significant part in the sudden reversal of fortune in unpredicted circumstances, referred to as peripeteia.

Overall, Okonkwo both embodies and contradicts Igbo cultures and beliefs therefore his values are better understood once the reader has a basic understanding on the Igbo culture. These overarching messages which have been expressed by the author are important for the reader to know, particularly because the character’s bizarreness and numerous conflicts equate to a theme which enables the reader to appreciate the importance behind the concept and context of the novel.