Figurative Language In Things Fall Apart

In addition, Chinua Achebe employs symbolism and figurative language to convey the theme that one faces near insurmountable odds when attempting to overcome one’s own destiny. Okonkwo, besides meeting Miller’s definition of a tragic hero, to such a degree connects with his tragic flaws. This is clearly evident when Achebe states “You drove him to kill himself, and now he will be buried like a dog.” (Achebe 208) Achebe’s comparison of Okonkwo, one of the most respected members of the tribe, to an animal confirms that in spite of all of his affluence and accomplishments, he is not able to escape the fate brought on by his weak chi or personal god. Just as how he can’t avoid his disgraceful downfall, one cannot prevent their fate with any mortal
He is afraid of being busy to avoid feeling the guilt. Even more, he continued to abuse his wives and children. With this intention, he not only has overconfidence in himself and his tribe, but he also looks down on other groups. This can be seen when he speaks of other tribes and his thoughts of the white colonists. What makes us to judge him as tragic flaw is through his mindset being not to change which brings this failure about his character indeed. Okonkwo’s unwillingness to submit passively to the established order and values takes him down. He has triggered an idea in his mind about how he wants to be and the way he wants his wives and mainly his children to be like him or better than him (Ezinma). Another example is greatly reflected in this quote which says “As he looked into log fire he recalled the name. He was a flaming fire.” (Achebe 153) Achebe used the fire to symbolize how he had an enormous enthusiasm in the beginning of the book, but towards the end of the book the fire literally burned his fervent along with the tribe’s culture. This connects to chi because although his intense passion kept him successful none of this could help him elude the destiny his chi gave