Introduction
In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, the character of Okonkwo is
portrayed with traits of arrogance and stubbornness, which significantly
influence his interactions and decisions throughout the novel. Achebe
examines how these characteristics, stemming from Okonkwo’s fear of
being perceived as weak like his father, propel his ambitions and
ultimately lead to his downfall. Through various conflicts and pivotal
moments, Achebe demonstrates how Okonkwo's inflexible nature
reinforces his status within the community while also acting as the
catalyst for his tragic demise.
Okonkwo's arrogance is revealed through his disdain for weakness and
his obsessive adherence to traditional masculinity. From the beginning,
Okonkwo is portrayed as someone who despises anything associated with
his father, Unoka, whom he considered weak and effeminate. Achebe
states, “Okonkwo was ruled by one passion—to hate everything that his
father Unoka had loved. One of those things was gentleness and another
was idleness.” This illustrates that Okonkwo’s sense of self-worth is
heavily tied to his rejection of what he perceives as weakness. He is
determined to be the antithesis of his father, which makes him intolerant
of failure and harshly judgmental of others. His arrogance in always being
right often leads him to dismiss alternative views, straining his
relationships within his family and community. Achebe uses this trait to
highlight the destructive potential of extreme pride, showing how
Okonkwo’s rigidity drives a wedge between him and the changing society
around him.
Okonkwo’s stubbornness is evident in his refusal to accept change,
particularly during the arrival of the colonizers. When the white
missionaries introduce new beliefs and disrupt the social order, Okonkwo
is one of the few who vehemently opposes them, saying, “We must fight
these men and drive them from the land.” Unlike others in the Igbo
community who attempt to adapt or negotiate with the changing times,
Okonkwo remains inflexible. His rigid insistence on using violence to resist
change reflects his inability to accept anything that threatens his
traditional worldview and power. This inflexibility isolates him and
contributes to his tragic fate, underscoring his refusal to compromise or
reconsider his approach. By illustrating Okonkwo’s uncompromising
stance, Achebe reveals how blind stubbornness can lead to personal ruin
and alienation.
Okonkwo’s arrogance extends to his interactions with his family,
showcasing his need for dominance and control. One notable instance is
his harsh treatment of his son, Nwoye, whom Okonkwo perceives as weak
and feminine. He berates and beats Nwoye, attempting to mold him into a
“real man.” This behavior stems from Okonkwo’s fear of any weakness
tainting his lineage, further highlighting his obsessive adherence to rigid
ideals of masculinity. However, his harshness only alienates his son,
leading Nwoye to reject his father’s values and embrace Christianity. This
outcome demonstrates how Okonkwo’s arrogance and stubborn nature
push even those closest to him away, weakening his influence and legacy.
Achebe uses Okonkwo’s strained familial relationships to emphasize the
cost of excessive pride and inflexibility in a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
Through the character of Okonkwo, Achebe examines the perils of
arrogance and obstinacy in the face of change. Okonkwo's unwavering
commitment to traditional values and his fear of appearing weak lead him
to make impulsive decisions and alienate himself from others. Ultimately,
his inability to adapt results in his downfall, demonstrating the inevitability
of change and the repercussions of an unyielding spirit. By depicting
Okonkwo’s demise, Achebe highlights the destructive potential of pride
and rigidity within a dynamic and evolving society.
