Similarities Between Things Fall Apart And Othello

The novel Things Fall Apart and the tragedy Othello were not created during the same time period, nor were these two passages originally meant for the same readers. However, despite their logical differences, both pieces and their protagonists share various qualities along with stark differences. Furthermore, through the character development of Okonkwo, the protagonist in Things Fall Apart, and Othello, the protagonist in Othello, not only the similarities, but also the juxtaposition between the two characters is notable. Both characters ultimately meet a tragic ending, but their respective paths are remarkably different. In the beginning of Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo is understood as a highly respected and successful man, but ultimately his innate traits overcome his success and lead to his demise. Similarly, Okonkwo’s misogyny is exceedingly apparent and eventually Okonkwo’s masculinity becomes a defensive resource, therefore, his adherence to a masculine philosophy will order his world (Osei-Nyame 3). Okonkwo’s character development is not a long path to a life-changing, mentality-transforming moment, but instead he essentially lacks character

Specifically, they both are somewhat gullible; Okonkwo’s original misogynistic mindset exhibits that the Igbo tribe has persuaded him to think incorrectly. Likewise, Othello was persuaded into incorrect assumptions by Iago. Furthermore, this gullible nature eventually leads to each character’s death. An additional common quality is that both characters are trustful. Othello, we have seen was trustful, and thorough in his trust. He put entire confidence in the honest Iago, who had not only been his companion in arms, but, as he believed, had just proved his faithfulness in the matter of marriage (Bradley 831). Similarly, Okonkwo trusts that his fellow tribesmen will have his back when he decides to kill the messenger sent by the District