In Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart", the protagonist Okonkwo is a man driven by fear. His life is shaped by a constant and deep fear of failure and weakness. This fear guides his actions and decisions, ultimately leading to his downfall. Throughout the novel, the theme of fear is central to Okonkwo's character and the narrative as a whole. This essay will explore the theme of fear in "Things Fall Apart", examining how Okonkwo's fear influences his behavior and impacts the world around him. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Okonkwo's fear is rooted in a desire to distance himself from his father's legacy of weakness and failure. His father, Unoka, was considered lazy, inefficient and a disgrace to the family. Okonkwo is determined to be the opposite of his father, to be strong, successful and respected. This fear of becoming like his father drives him to achieve greatness and prove himself to his community. As a result, Okonkwo becomes a harsh and domineering character, ruling his household with an iron fist and demanding absolute obedience from his wives and children. This fear also shapes Okonkwo's interactions with other members of the community. He is quick to anger and fiercely competitive, always striving to outdo his peers and assert his dominance. This behavior is a manifestation of their fear of appearing weak or vulnerable. Okonkwo's fear leads him to make impulsive and often violent decisions, such as his role in the murder of Ikemefuna, a boy who had become part of his family. His fear of being seen as weak or indecisive drives him to take extreme measures to maintain his reputation and status. Additionally, Okonkwo's fear of failure and weakness leads him to resist change and cling to tradition. He is deeply invested in the customs and values ​​of his culture and fears that any deviation from these traditions will lead to the downfall of his community. This fear is evident in his antagonism toward white missionaries and their influence, as he views their presence as a threat to the stability and integrity of his society. The consequences of Okonkwo's fear are profound, both for himself and those around him. His relentless quest for strength and success ultimately leads to his estrangement from his family and community. His fear prevents him from expressing his love and compassion, and his inability to adapt to change ultimately leads to his tragic demise. Okonkwo's fear of being seen as weak ultimately becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as it pushes him to make choices that isolate him and lead to his downfall. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. .Get a Custom EssayIn conclusion, the theme of fear is a central and compelling aspect of “Things Fall Apart.” Okonkwo's fear of failure and weakness determines his actions and decisions, ultimately shaping the trajectory of his life. Their fear impacts their relationships, their community, and their own well-being. Through Okonkwo's story, Achebe explores the destructive power of fear and its ability to shape and destroy lives. This theme poignantly reminds us of the importance of facing and overcoming our fears, rather than letting them dictate our actions and decisions..