Character Questions

1. What is the significance of Okonkwo’s character? What does he represent or what is he symbolic of? Okonkwo is a highly significant character, as the book mostly follows his story line. He is the protagonist of 'Things Fall Apart". His character follows the tragic hero archetype, which means Okonkwo ultimately has a tragic downfall. His downfall goes alongside the downfall of the Igbo culture. This suggests that Okonkwo is a symbol of the Igbo culture. He starts off as a strong and powerful man, as the culture is stable and established. When Okonkwo begins his exile, the culture slowly begins to fade away with the arrival of the British. Then, when Okonkwo kills himself, it is because he realises the Igbo culture has fallen and he cannot save it.

2. What is the purpose of Okonkwo’s character within the text? The purpose of Okonkwo's character is to build a connection between the reader and the book. Considering that Okonkwo is the protagonist, and the story mostly follows Okonkwo, we see a lot of how he is feeling. This allows for the reader to have an emotional connection to the book. He may also be there to emphasize change in the story.


3. How does Okonkwo’s character contribute to themes or meaning? One of the themes constantly seen throughout the book is the theme of power leading to change (things falling apart). Okonkwo contributes to the theme of power as he did once have power. He was well known and highly respected in the community after he threw The Cat. When Okonkwo loses his power, the British gain power. This is where the topic of change is present. Throughout the story there are many changes in lifestyle. Okonkwo gets exiled and has to change the way he lives, then the British arrive, which creates a change in culture and lifestyle. This continues all the way to the end of the book. There is change in religion, education, and it all comes gradually, which is what creates the continuous theme of change.