Okonkwo's Ambition In Things Fall Apart

Okonkwo was a successful man; he surpassed his gynic father Unoka. He rose from the ground up from nothing to something. He gained praise and respect from the tribe to be able to persevere and come out invincible. His first outstanding completion was defeating the wrestler the Cat. In addition, he produced yam seeds where at first, he gathered mounds full from his friend and another fellow. However, those yams couldn’t grow in the treacherous weather conditions. He proved and justified his capability to survive after a horrendous drought withered his crops away. Nonetheless, Okonkwo ultimately lost his prestigious position in Umuofia because he grew to be overly confident and cocky. It was almost humorlessly ironic, for he had killed his adoptive son Ikemefuna …show more content…
“Since I survived that year," he always said, “I shall survive anything.” He put it down to his inflexible will; recited from chapter four. As of his determination and strong will, one of his many strengths is his admirable work ethic. In spite of all, his work ethic ultimately became his downfall working hand in hand with his ambition. “Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak.” Because he’s such a courageous man in a tight-knit strict culture, he has to strive exceedingly in order to be recognized as the best. With that, he must not crumble to feeble traits as women, or he’s disposing all of his hard work and reputation away. Especially one-upping Unoka, the female embodiment. To summarize briefly, his own insecurities within the custom to uphold the manly image will manifest within himself. “His rage, inflexibility, and fear of appearing weak like his lazy father, the musician Unoka, consistently overshadow his respect for his community.” Okonkwo’s tragic flaw lies with