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Things Fall Apart 4 - Online Term Paper

Things Fall Apart 4

Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" presents its readers with an African tribe and its culture. Okonkwo, a well-respected member of the tribe, has some very interesting attributes. Specifically, he has an undying desire to be manly at all times complimented by a deeply rooted fear of being thought of as weak. Okonkwo has a very short, violent temper that is immediately triggered in response to actions that he deems to be weak. Okonkwo basically lived by the phrase, act first and think it through later. Unfortunately, almost every time that Okonkwo lets loose his violent temper in his manly way, he brings trouble upon himself, as well as those around him. One way to explain his actions and ...

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is seen when he kills Ikemefuna because he did not want his fellow clansmen to think that he was weak. After the Ikemefuna's slaying, Okonkwo is unable to eat or drink for two days due to the fact that he is upset over the death of Ikemefuna. However, he must fight against his manly pride, which reminds him that killing someone should not bother him. However, he has trouble accepting this, but must for fear of being considered weak, like a "shivering old woman" (Achebe 45). Another instance of Okonkwo's hot temper arises while he and some other men are locked up in a cell and Okonkwo reaffirms how he believes they should have killed Mr. Smith. A messenger overhears this remark and beats each of the men on their backs and heads with a large stick. A final illustration of Okonkwo's rash actions leading to suffering for himself and those around him occurs when he hastily kills the head messenger who comes to Umuofia to break up a town meeting. The messenger is only able to speak 2 ...

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Things Fall Apart 4. (2007, June 13). Retrieved January 11, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Things-Fall-Apart-4/66396

"Things Fall Apart 4." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 13 Jun. 2007. Web. 11 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Things-Fall-Apart-4/66396>

"Things Fall Apart 4." Essayworld.com. June 13, 2007. Accessed January 11, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Things-Fall-Apart-4/66396.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 6/13/2007 12:57:39 PM
Category: English
Type: Free Paper
Words: 520
Pages: 2

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