Examples Of Cleopatra In Things Fall Apart

The Tragic Queen The story of Cleopatra is more tragic than the story of Okonkwo because she has much more initial greatness that is at stake, her obstacle and tragic flaw seem almost unbearable compared to Okonkwo’s, and her absence in the end has a larger effect than Okonkwo's absence.
Although Okonkwo displays much greatness in himself, Cleopatra manifests her greatness on an entire different level. In the beginning of Things Fall Apart Okonkwo is described as one of the best warriors in the land, who is greatly respected by his tribe. In the story of Cleopatra, she is known for being the noble queen of Egypt. Okonkwo has three wives and owns a large plot of land, where his several huts are built and hundreds of yams are kept. Cleopatra

In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo in several instances displays that he does not understand his pride as a flaw. For example, when some of the tribe leaders speak to Okonkwo and inform him that Ikemefuna is to be murdered, he is advised to not play a part in the killing. Yet, Okonkwo ignores this advice and ends up giving the final blow to the boy who called him father. Later in the story, his pride again is displayed as a flaw when he chops the head off of the white man in front of the tribe to elevate himself as a war hero. Soon after, he realizes his wrong doings and decides to commit suicide because he does not want to take part in the imperialistic change of white men overcoming his town. Instead, he takes the easy way out by ending his life rather than fighting the few white men there were. Cleopatra on the other hand understands her fate if she does not end her life. She sees it as a “fatal terror show” (21) and if she stays and fights she will surely be captured and humiliated in a parade in Rome where she would then also killed. In order to avoid this humiliating death she has “a nobler death in mind” (21) which is to kill herself. Although they both commit suicide, Cleopatra’s death is more justifiable as her situation was life threatening, while Okonkwo just didn't want to face