Tragic Deaths of Tragic Heroes
Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart expresses some tragic moments that compare to scenes in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. Although Okonkwo and Macbeth are two opposite characters they still compare in many ways. Macbeth wants to become king and will kill off any threats that will get in his way. Similarly, Okonkwo wants to prove his bravery and will do anything to show that he is nothing like his father. Despite their different settings, both protagonists possess excessive determination that end in a tragedy. In the end Okonkwo’s fear overwhelmed him and he killed himself. Okonkwo is considered a tragic hero because of his bravery, but also his struggles.
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo was driven by fear of not being like his father, Unoka. The author clearly states, “Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak”. (pg 61) Throughout his whole life he was controled by his fear of failure and he thought killing Ikemefuna helped prove he was a brave man. Similarly, Macbeth dealt with fear of not being powerful, but he had to kill the former king to get his crown. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill King Duncan and she …show more content…
The protagonists show determination for power, but sadly both end in a somewhat similar tragedy. Although their deaths contrast, the events that led up to it are very similar; they both killed an important character for power and manliness. Okonkwo and Macbeth are both considered tragic heroes, because of their bravery, but also because of their struggles along the way that tore them down. They both showed strength, but killed the threats that got in their way of power. “In tragedy, catastrophe and suffering await many of the characters, especially the hero.” This quote applies to how Okonkwo and Macbeth die in their own
Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things Fall Apart expresses some tragic moments that compare to scenes in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. Although Okonkwo and Macbeth are two opposite characters they still compare in many ways. Macbeth wants to become king and will kill off any threats that will get in his way. Similarly, Okonkwo wants to prove his bravery and will do anything to show that he is nothing like his father. Despite their different settings, both protagonists possess excessive determination that end in a tragedy. In the end Okonkwo’s fear overwhelmed him and he killed himself. Okonkwo is considered a tragic hero because of his bravery, but also his struggles.
In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo was driven by fear of not being like his father, Unoka. The author clearly states, “Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak”. (pg 61) Throughout his whole life he was controled by his fear of failure and he thought killing Ikemefuna helped prove he was a brave man. Similarly, Macbeth dealt with fear of not being powerful, but he had to kill the former king to get his crown. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill King Duncan and she …show more content…
The protagonists show determination for power, but sadly both end in a somewhat similar tragedy. Although their deaths contrast, the events that led up to it are very similar; they both killed an important character for power and manliness. Okonkwo and Macbeth are both considered tragic heroes, because of their bravery, but also because of their struggles along the way that tore them down. They both showed strength, but killed the threats that got in their way of power. “In tragedy, catastrophe and suffering await many of the characters, especially the hero.” This quote applies to how Okonkwo and Macbeth die in their own