Okonkwo Anti Hero
An anti-hero is a central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, has flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but has enough heroic qualities to gain the sympathy of the readers. In the book things fall apart Okonkwo is the protagonist who leads his village called Umofia. He does anything to make sure he isn’t viewed as weak by the people in his village. Okonkwo was already recognized as one of the greatest men in the 9 villages and although he did many things that got him respect from the people in the village, that doesn’t make him a hero most people would acknowledge. Okonkwo is an anti-hero because he kills the innocent, doesn’t follow the law, and lets his past be an excuse for every mistake
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He didn't go through with the week of peace and he uses violence for everything. Okonkwo “broke the peace and was punished”(Achebe 29) He didn't follow the week of peace and decided to “beat his youngest wife just because she didn't get home early enough to cook the afternoon meal” (Achebe 29). He was so enraged and focused on beating his wife, he had forgotten the law. He lacked respect and fear to the earth goddess, the God in charge of the week of peace. He also lacked morals towards his own family. His short temper is what makes him not be a hero and gives Okonkwo less of a chance to gain people's sympathy. Furthermore, Okonkwo not only abuses women but he also hits his own young son. For example, when Nwoye found out his brother was dead he “burst into tears, whereupon his father beat him.” (Achebe 57). Then when Nwoye started showing interest in Christianity he felt like he couldn't trust his own father so “he dared not to go too near the missionaries for fear of his own father.” (Achebe 149) since his father had almost choked him. Okonkwo uses physical and mental violence and he doesn't care who he uses it with. Nwoye can't have his own opinions or be himself without having his father look down on him and beat him. Okonkwo can't be a hero because he makes people be scared of being themselves and be scared of him
He didn't go through with the week of peace and he uses violence for everything. Okonkwo “broke the peace and was punished”(Achebe 29) He didn't follow the week of peace and decided to “beat his youngest wife just because she didn't get home early enough to cook the afternoon meal” (Achebe 29). He was so enraged and focused on beating his wife, he had forgotten the law. He lacked respect and fear to the earth goddess, the God in charge of the week of peace. He also lacked morals towards his own family. His short temper is what makes him not be a hero and gives Okonkwo less of a chance to gain people's sympathy. Furthermore, Okonkwo not only abuses women but he also hits his own young son. For example, when Nwoye found out his brother was dead he “burst into tears, whereupon his father beat him.” (Achebe 57). Then when Nwoye started showing interest in Christianity he felt like he couldn't trust his own father so “he dared not to go too near the missionaries for fear of his own father.” (Achebe 149) since his father had almost choked him. Okonkwo uses physical and mental violence and he doesn't care who he uses it with. Nwoye can't have his own opinions or be himself without having his father look down on him and beat him. Okonkwo can't be a hero because he makes people be scared of being themselves and be scared of him