Literary_essay_-_Grade_11_Okonkwo[revised].pptx

Literary_essay_-_Grade_11_Okonkwo

1. 1. Introduction -Name of the book, author and year of publication -Define what a tragic hero is. -Mention key elements: Okonkwo’s greatness , his tragic flaw, downfall. -Briefly introduce Okonkwo as a tragic hero in Things Fall Apart.

2. 1. A tragic hero is a character of high social status who possesses greatness but is destroyed by a tragic/fatal flaw —an internal weakness that leads to a person’s downfall. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo embodies many qualities of a tragic hero. Although he’s a respected leader in the Umuofia clan and achieves personal success through hard work and determination, his fatal/tragic flaw ( fear of weakness and failure) ultimately leads to his tragic end.

3. 2. Okonkwo’s success/greatness -His rise from humble beginnings as he was the son of a lazy debtor, to a respected warrior and wealthy man. - Achievements : wrestling fame, titles, multiple wives, and a large compound. -His role in the clan is seen as a symbol of strength and tradition . - Okonkwo’s rise to success is significant in a society that values strength, masculinity, and personal achievement. -Born into a family shamed by his father Unoka’s laziness and debts, Okonkwo strives to redefine his legacy.

4. 2. Okonkwo’s success/greatness -Through his wrestling skills, wealth, and warrior reputation, he earns titles and respect in his community. -These qualities establish him as a figure of greatness in Umuofia. -However, it is this very pursuit of strength and fear of being perceived as weak that becomes Okonkwo’s fatal flaw

5. 3.Okonkwo’s fatal/tragic flaw Fear of weakness and failure, especially being like his father, Unoka. Toxic masculinity: obsession with strength, control, and dominance. Inability to express emotion or show compassion (e.g., killing Ikemefuna).

6. 4. Okonkwo’s Fatal Flaw Okonkwo’s fear of weakness is rooted in his deep resentment for his father, whom he views as a failure. This fear causes him to adopt a rigid, toxic-masculine identity, leaving no room for empathy or flexibility. He is harsh with his family, beats his wives during the Week of Peace , and kills Ikemefuna—his adopted son—despite being advised against it. He does this to avoid appearing weak, even though it hurts him emotionally. These choices, driven by his internal fear, highlight the beginning of his moral decline.

7. 5. The Consequences of his fatal flaw Strained relationships (with Nwoye, wives, community). Disrespecting traditions (Week of Peace, shooting at his wife). Exile after killing Ezeudu’s son—symbolic fall from grace.

8. 6. Okonkwo’s Reaction to Change and Colonialism Refusal to accept change, insistence on violent resistance. Killing the colonial messenger and expecting communal support—but finds himself alone.

9. 6. Okonkwo’s Reaction to Change and Colonialism The arrival of the British colonizers further exposes Okonkwo’s inability to adapt. While others in the clan seek diplomatic or cautious ways to deal with the missionaries and colonial administration, Okonkwo insists on violent resistance. He murders a colonial messenger, believing this will rally his people, but instead, he realizes they no longer share his ideals.

10. Downfall and Tragic End Realization that he no longer belongs in his own society. His suicide: the ultimate disgrace in Igbo culture. His legacy tarnished, buried like a criminal.

11. Downfall and Tragic End This final moment of disillusionment results in his suicide—a profound dishonor in Igbo culture, and the ultimate tragedy for a man who lived to avoid disgrace. CONCLUSION: Okonkwo fits the mold of a tragic hero. His greatness is undeniable, but it is destroyed by his fear of weakness and failure. Achebe uses Okonkwo’s downfall not only to illustrate personal tragedy but also to reflect the larger collapse of traditional Igbo society under colonial rule. Thus, Okonkwo’s story is both a personal and cultural tragedy, fulfilling the essence of a tragic hero.