Things Fall Apart Okonkwo A Tragic Hero

A tragic hero is somebody who makes a judgement error that eventually leads to the destruction of themselfs. Okonkwo is a clear example of a character who makes judgement errors that lead to his fatality. He does his best to be a hero but in the end he fails. That is why he is a tragic hero. He does not appear to be the “good guy” of the story but he is not an abomination of the story, he attempts to help his clan and does his best to protect his people. Okonkwo, of Things Fall Apart, is a tragic hero because he follows a clear step-by-step plan; At first his clan looks up to and respects him, then he is isolated from the clan because of his fatal flaw, and lastly he attempts to restore his previous state. Okonkwo is, or was, known as a respected member of the clan. His position in the clan is a respected one, he is a leader. “Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine …show more content…
They may say he is a hero because he always stays true to his religion, or that he risks his life to save his people. That is nothing of who Okonkwo is, a hero is supposed to be flawless but Okonkwo is not flawless. Therefore, Okonkwo cannot be a hero, he is a tragic hero. “The protagonist of Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is also considered a tragic hero.” (Cliff notes) Outside sources even know that Okonkwo is a tragic hero. Okonkwo, of Things Fall Apart, is a tragic hero because he follows a clear step-by-step plan; At first his clan looks up to and respects him, then he is isolated from the clan because of his fatal flaw, and lastly he attempts to restore his previous state. He follows the outline of a tragic hero so perfectly that it is almost scary. He is at first at the top of the game, but his tragic flaw drags him down. Then he rises back up to only be defeated for the last time. He is not perfect, but flawed; not a good guy, but not bad; not a true hero, but a tragic