In Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart, fear plays an important role in many of the characters actions. People in Ibo culture fear the nature, and this drives their actions. It keeps them scared, and stops them from doing things like whistling, or calling a snake by its name.
What is the power of fear in Things Fall Apart?
The Power of Fear Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. The power of fear
can lead to one's destruction
. In Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, he uses fear to demonstrate the evolution of the protagonist- Okonkwo.
How does fear affect the actions of Okonkwo?
Okonkwo's
fear of being viewed as feminine drives him to kill Ikemefuna
. … Okonkwo's fear of turning out like his father is the major motive of his life, and also his downfall. Because he does not want his tribe to think he is weak, he becomes the most famous and feared wrestler in the clan.
What role does fear play in the development of the character of Okonkwo?
Fear was the driving force that not only led to
his success as a great leader and clansman
, but also led ultimately to his death. Fear of losing his dignity among the members in Umoufia caused Okonkwo to make numerous mistakes that caused him great heartache.
How does the title Things Fall Apart connect to the theme of fear?
The
motif of fear plays a significant role
in the text Things Fall Apart. Since the novel's tragic hero Okonkwo has several significant fears, everything does just what the title suggests: it falls apart. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father.
Why is fear such a large part of Okonkwo's character how does it affect him?
By Chinua Achebe
Okonkwo fears becoming like his lazy, shameful father, Ekwefi fears losing her daughter, and Nwoye fears his father's wrath. … Overall, fear in this novel leads
characters to behave in negative ways that can bring the wrath of the gods
, guilt, and the community disapproval upon them.
What are the main themes of Things Fall Apart?
- Theme #1. Colonialism and Its Adverse Impacts. …
- Theme #4. Superiority of English. …
- Theme #5. Social Documentary. …
- Theme #6. Social Disintegration. …
- Theme #7. Ambition and Grandeur. …
- Theme #8. Free Will and Fate. …
- Theme #9. Tribal Beliefs and Customs. …
- Theme #10. Sense of Justice.
What is nwoye afraid of?
Okonkwo's first son, Nwoye, was then twelve years old but was already causing his father great anxiety for his
incipient laziness
.
What did Okonkwo fear most?
Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the
fear of failure and of weakness
. … Instead, Okonkwo suffers from the existential fear that he will not succeed in life and thus end up like his unremarkable father.
What motivates Okonkwo?
Okonkwo's main motivations are
fear of being as weak, lack of productivity, and resentment to his father
. Okonkwo does not like being treated or thought of as weak.
Is Okonkwo a hero or a villain?
Okonkwo is
a tragic hero
in the classical sense: although he is a superior character, his tragic flaw—the equation of manliness with rashness, anger, and violence—brings about his own destruction.
Why was Okonkwo's start in life so difficult?
Okonkwo's first year as
a farmer was very difficult
. … His first year of farming was difficult because of a drought, a great flood, and because he broke the Week Of Peace.
What do we already know about Okonkwo's character and beliefs?
Okonkwo is renowned as
a wrestler, a fierce warrior, and a successful farmer of yams
(a “manly” crop). He has three wives and many children who live in huts on his compound. Throughout his life, he wages a never ending battle for status; his life is dominated by the fear of weakness and failure.
What is the purpose of Things Fall Apart?
Achebe's primary purpose of writing the novel is because
he wants to educate his readers about the value of his culture as an African
. Things Fall Apart provides readers with an insight of Igbo society right before the white missionaries' invasion on their land.
How does Okonkwo exile affect him?
Okonkwo's exile
forces him into his motherland
. He doesn't deal well with his misfortune because he is so intent on being as successful and influential as his father was poor and powerless. His initial lack of gratitude toward his mother's kinsmen is a transgression of Igbo cultural values.
Is Things Fall Apart a true story?
Things Fall Apart
is not a true story
. It is based on the real European colonization of Nigeria during the late nineteenth century, but the protagonist, Okonkwo, is not a real historical figure.
