what leads okonkwo to his demise

Chinua Achebe, in his text Things Fall Apart, presents the demise of a well-respected and recognised African Tribal legend named Okonkwo. Okonkwo is an intrepid, independent and impetuous man. To some extent we find Okonkwo’s strengths are also his weaknesses and cause his eventual breakdown. It is Okonkwo’s thoughts of failure that express his sensitivity and drive his fury over the edge leading to his suicide. The fury suffered from his son, Nwoye conversion to Christianity and the establishment of new surroundings, cultures, beliefs and tribal life influence Okonkwo’s reflection into his future and introduced him to a new frame of mind that made him realise that no one will sacrifice to him and that he would be forgotten in the near future. These key influences, his father, Nwoye and the reflection in his future led to Okonkwo downfall.

Okonkwo is a dominant, hard workingman, brutal and unforgiving. He wants to become a leader in his tribe, to gain the most titles, a well r...