Theme Of Fear In Things Fall Apart - 775 Words

Fear played a big role in Things Fall Apart. Mainly fear was seen ruling Okonkwo’s life, but also a couple of the other inhabitants of Umuofia. It was seen in many situations dictating the characters’ actions. Each of the character’s actions then led up to the understanding of the theme in Things Fall Apart, fear can dictate choices. Through the narrator’s thoughts, the theme was initially found. For example, in the text, Achebe states, â€Å"Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and weakness. It was not external but lay deep within himself lest he should be found to resemble his father† (Achebe 13). The narrator’s thought allows the reader to determine that all†¦show more content†¦In a time of need, Okonkwo decides to improve his exterior image, instead of being the true father that Ikemefuna thought he was. A true father would have put his son before anything else and would have tried to keep Ikemefuna out of such a fatal situation. Lastly, Achebe states, â€Å"Obierika, who had been gazing steadily at his friend’s dangling body, turned suddenly to the District Commisioner and said ferociously: ‘That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia. You drove him to kill himself’† ( 208). Okonkwo knows his clan won’t go to war and he does not want to continue to be a part of such a weak clan. Though his life’s purpose was to be nothing like his father, he is viewed as even weaker than Unoka. Since, suicide is â€Å"an abomination for a man to take his own life† (207). Through Okonkwo’s actions, the theme is clearly highlighted. Not only is the theme underlined through Okonkwo’s actions, but also through the other character’s actions. In the text it states,†A strange and sudden weakness descended on Ekwefi†¦Ezinma’s voice soon faded away and only Chielo was heard moving father and farther in the distance†¦ ‘I am following Chielo,’ she replied and disappeared in the darkness’† (Achebe 101-103). Ekwefi fears of losing her only daughter, Ezinma. Instead of being fearful of Chielo and the gods, she finds the nerve follow Chielo. In this scenario, she doesn’t allow the fear of the gods get to her head, but instead uses the fear of losing herShow MoreRelatedChinua Achebe s Things Fall Apart1164 Words   |  5 PagesPardis Kianoush Western Civilization II Nicole Watkins 11/26/2014 Things Fall Apart Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua Achebe is a story which follows the life and foreshadowed downfall of Okonkwo, a respected warrior in his Umuofia clan in Nigeria. Disgusted by his late father, Unoka, and the reputation of incompetence and laziness he left behind, Okonkwo was determined to not let history repeat itself. 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