Comparing Power In Macbeth And Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Macbeth by William Shakespeare have numerous comparable themes that can be easily discussed, one of which is power. Power is a predominant theme in both novels and is defined as the capacity and ability to do or act upon something in a controlling manner. Though set in different regions, both Macbeth and Things Fall Apart exemplify how too much power can ultimately lead the protagonists to a tragic fall. Power is seen in an early onset in both novels as the stories begin. After Macbeth defeats Norway in battle, he meets the three witches who tell him “all hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter” (Shakespeare 17). They are saying to Macbeth that he will become king of Scotland after becoming thane
Macbeth for example, originally full of compassion and kindness, transitioned into a man who will do anything for more power. “If chance will have him king, chance may crown him king” (Shakespeare 25). Stated in this quote is how Macbeth would go to great lengths because of his greed for power, even if it meant murdering his dear friends, Duncan and Banquo. During the course of the novel, Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s life is also consumed by power, causing him to act inhumane towards others. For example, when Ojiugo, his youngest wife takes a trip to her friend’s house to braid her hair, she did not return home in time to prepare the afternoon meal. Okonkwo used his fury and rage he had gained from his consumption of power, and used it to heavily beat
As stated by Linda Strong-Leek, an Assistant Professor of English at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, “Can a woman read as a woman after being conditioned, generally, to read as a man?” (Linda Strong-Leek). In other words, Linda is criticizing the story line of Things Fall Apart because the only main characters are men. Another literary critic, Allie Fogle sates, “though some women have power, most are treated as nothing more than property for men” (Allie Fogle). Literary criticism may seem a harsh at times, but ultimately makes the author as well as the world better writers. Both Shakespeare and Achebe seem to agree that power can lead to one’s tragic fall. Although written during different eras and set in different cultures, both Macbeth and Things Fall Apart exemplify how power can be one’s tragic flaw. The main characters in both works are overcome by this tragic flaw, making them cruel, insensitive and inhumane towards