In order to survive in a changing world, one needs to be willing to adapt to new ideas and customs. As Charles Darwin famously theorized, if one is resistant to change, then strength and intelligence is irrelevant to success or survival. Chinua Achebe reveals this message in Things Fall Apart. Okonkwo is unwilling to change his thoughts and outlook as evidenced by his violence towards the white men and his refusal to accept Nwoye’s conversion, which ultimately leads to his own demise.
Once considered a respected figure among his people, Okonkwo’s downfall is his inability to accept change brought to Umuofia as exhibited by his violent outbursts. After seven years of exile in which he considers wasted time, Okonkwo is eager to recapture his stature as a leader of the village by working harder than ever before. However, when he …show more content…
“‘Where have you been?’ Nwoye struggled to free himself from the choking grip. ‘Answer me,’ roared Okonkwo, ‘before I kill you!’ He seized a heavy stick that lay on the dwarf wall and hit him two or three savage blows. ‘Answer me!’ he roared again.” (151-152) After that, Nwoye ran away and never saw his father again. Firmly believing that changing religions is a disgrace, Okonkwo is willing to give up any relationship with his son. This follows a lifetime of struggle between the two men. Once called the “Roaring Flame” because he was like a flaming fire, strong and bright, Okonkwo wonders why his eldest son is ‘weak’. The constant criticizing and abuse ultimately drives Nwoye away from the very same strict values that his father seeks to instill. “Nwoye did not fully understand. But he was happy to leave his father.” (152) Nwoye is the survivor in this relationship because he was the one responsive to the changes happening in the village unlike his
Once considered a respected figure among his people, Okonkwo’s downfall is his inability to accept change brought to Umuofia as exhibited by his violent outbursts. After seven years of exile in which he considers wasted time, Okonkwo is eager to recapture his stature as a leader of the village by working harder than ever before. However, when he …show more content…
“‘Where have you been?’ Nwoye struggled to free himself from the choking grip. ‘Answer me,’ roared Okonkwo, ‘before I kill you!’ He seized a heavy stick that lay on the dwarf wall and hit him two or three savage blows. ‘Answer me!’ he roared again.” (151-152) After that, Nwoye ran away and never saw his father again. Firmly believing that changing religions is a disgrace, Okonkwo is willing to give up any relationship with his son. This follows a lifetime of struggle between the two men. Once called the “Roaring Flame” because he was like a flaming fire, strong and bright, Okonkwo wonders why his eldest son is ‘weak’. The constant criticizing and abuse ultimately drives Nwoye away from the very same strict values that his father seeks to instill. “Nwoye did not fully understand. But he was happy to leave his father.” (152) Nwoye is the survivor in this relationship because he was the one responsive to the changes happening in the village unlike his