Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Words: 284
Pages: 2

In the historical fiction novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the protagonist, Okonkwo, is primarily depicted with a contradiction to his father’s characteristics. As a strong man, Okonkwo “was well known through the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements” (3). Unlike his father, the main character is hardworking and driven to succeed. Unoka was “lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow” (4). As a child, Okonkwo despised his father due to this incompetence and irresponsibility. While growing up, Okonkwo stood for everything his father hated, including Unoka’s laid-back and peaceful personality. Once he had children and wives of his own, “Okonkwo ruled his household