Examples Of Heroism In Things Fall Apart

In Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe shows tragic heroism through a dominant and hardworking character to pull the reader into rooting for their success. While Joseph Conrad uses tragic heroism in Heart of Darkness with a much more passive and mysterious character. Each story shows this through a similar circumstance of colonialism, Conrad from Europe's perspective, and Achebe from Africa's. Aristotle defines a Tragic Hero as a character who is relatable and makes a strong impression on the reader, as well as causes their own tragedy. This "tragic flaw" is commonly their biggest strength, as well as their largest weakness. In Heart of Darkness Conrad shows tragic heroism through Kurtz, while in Things Fall Apart, it is shown through Okonkwo.

For example, Achebe shows Okonkwo as someone who never shows fear, and is seemingly invincible. However, as you read farther into the text you find that Okonkwo really does have feelings. He cares about many things that he would not like to admit, so instead he just hides it. In Things Fall Apart it reads, "Even Okonkwo himself became very fond of the boy-inwardly of course. Okonkwo never showed any emotion openly, unless it be the emotion of anger." This shows the reader that while Okonkwo is rough around the edges, he isn't a terrible guy and he means well in his actions. He just wants those that he loves to be tough and succeed in life, unlike his father who Okonkwo refuses to follow. This gives the reader a reason to grow fond of Okonkwo, and to want him to accomplish great things because of his intentions. Conrad shows nearly the exact opposite in Heart of Darkness with Kurtz. Kurtz is seemingly a hardworking and very intelligent business man, although when Marlow finally reaches his camp, he finds Kurtz to be an extremely deceptive and shady character. In Heart of Darkness the text reads, "...All right, said I, after a time. Mr. Kurtz's reputation is safe with me. I did not know how truly I spoke." (Conrad,60) This text example shows Marlow reassuring the Russian that he won't ruin Kurtz reputation, while he's unsure of what to do. This shows how Kurtz reputation isn't what it seems to be, and his true colors are uncovered. In the end this causes the reader to dislike Kurtz because of his dishonesty and manipulation that he has been exposed