Aristole's Tragic Hero Archetype- Okonkwo

Why would Achebe, taking into account cultural context, choose to characterise Okonkwo using the tragic hero archetype?

The Greek Philosopher Aristole (322 BC-384 BC)  stipulates a Tragic Hero as a "good man of high status" of which demonstrates a tragic flaw known as 'hamartia', experiences a dramatic reversal in other words 'peripeteia' in addition to an intense moment of recognition commonly defined as 'anagnoris'. Throughout the novel Things Fall Apart, one can acknowledge how Chinua Achebe characterises Okonkwo through the tragic hero archetype while taking into account the cultural context of that era. He effectually establishes Aristole's 3 essential notions through the characterisation of Okonkwo as a "flawed" character.  Okonkwo's fear of being like his father establishes a hyper masculinity that allows him to be arrogant towards his loved ones. This eventually leads to his suicide and allows us to define him as a tragic hero. Ultimately, as an African writer during the era of colonisation, such authentic characterisation allows him to manifest a different outlook onto the Colonisation of Nigeria for his intended audience. 

In the beginning of the novel, Okonkwo is presented as a fearless warrior as his charisma is driven by his harmatia of which is the fear of being lazy like his father, Unoka. This is evident when he beats up his wife during the Peace Week as he: "Walked back to his Obi to await Oijuogo's return. And when she returned he beat her heavily. In his anger he had forgotten that it was the Week of Peace." (4, 20, 21-23) Ultimately, Okonkwo's fragile masculinity establishes his aggression towards his wife of which is driven by the fear of being like his father. 

As of his reversal of fortunes, commonly known as Peripeteia, Okonkwo chooses to murder Ikmefuna as evident when he: "Drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (6, 44, 14-15). Okonkwo thought that by killing Ikmefuna, he would be seen as a powerful and more masculine figure however, this murder of Ikmefuna allows the audience to see him as a powerless figure. 

Towards the end of the novel, one can acknowledge Okonkwo's moment of anagnorisis where he comes to the conclusion that he cannot go to war with the missionaries as the clan: "Had broken into tumult instead of action" (24, 152, 30-31). The portrayal of Okonkwo through the lens of Aristole's essential elements of a tragic hero archetype allows us to comprehend how his arrogant pride drives the notion that the clan leaders would primarily unify the clan and escalate the British Colonisers out of Umofia. However, Okonkwo's spontaneously murders the British messenger that sent to break up the village meeting regarding the possibility of going to war. Ironically, the clan did not fight back but rather was shocked by such savagely actions. This sparks Okonkwo's moment of angnorisis as he recognises that he must endure his shame independently.

Substantially, through a culturally authentic voice, Achebe is able to orchestrate the main events that drive Okonkwo's Tragic Hero archetype in order to establish the cultural context of the pre and post colonial life in late ninetieth century Nigeria. As of Aristole's definition of a tragic hero, Achebe metaphorically mimics Okonkwo's journey as a tragic hero similarly to the colonisation of the Igbo society. To justify, Okonkwo is unable to become a powerful Igbo man since he ironically dies the same way as his father, without preserving Igbo values and culture as his hubris overrides his power. There is no doubt that his melancholic death is a symbolic representation of the death of his culture, traditions, values and an Igbo realm. This predominately showcases the contextual significance of an Igbo man holding onto his culture because without the Igbo people caring for their culture, the culture will subside similarly to its inhabits.  Obviously, Achebe is able to inaugurate an authentic approach to the perspectives of Colonisation as he effectively characterises Okonkwo using the tragic hero archetype in order to reinforce the theme of Colonisation through the embracement of Igbo society and norms.

Igbo Background

Good evening honourable ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to have the honour to give a toast of "Prosperity to the Royal Colonial Institute" as I confess to you my honest intentions towards the Igbo culture.

 Looking back in history, it is clear how the Bight of Biagra allows us to penetrate the inferior of Igboland for our own interests. This includes certain interest groups that pushed Europe cultural, commercial and influence into the African interior with the sole purpose of trade and the politics of abolition. Although we perceive this as prosperous economical, social and political gain for Africa, we ignore the fact that colonisation destructs their culture, communities and civilisation. Our inherit supremacy allows us to neglect the contextual significance of Africa and continue to shed blood as our main purpose is driven by global expansion. We ironically preach superlative civilisation yet continue to dehumanise certain civilisations as we believe we are doing a virtue for them when in reality, they could be doing a favour for us. Instead of being in denial, we have to accept the notion that there is no one way of living but rather, many ways. By believing in this, we will be open-minded towards the Igbo culture and respect and learn certain cultural values.

Change. Igbo people appreciate change and constantly expect it as they believe that the world is a "market place and it is subject to bargain". So instead of accepting such a transparent living society, we blindly watch the demolishment of such a harmonic and peaceful society shattering in our own hands? Wake up. We need to be able to enhance our civilisation and use its superiority for the most beneficial reasons. It is our responsibility to build upon our civilisation independently without the assimilation of the Igbo culture. We shall not suppress, we shall champion the Igbo culture. We shall not destroy, it is our duty to nourish the Igbo society by watering their seeds. As long as we are alive, we have the right to appreciate and acknowledge the effectiveness of the Igbo society. 

Diplomacy. Our fathers should take into consideration the cross-cutting ties of such extremely democratic government that function effectively with no centralised government. Through the lens of an Igbo man, without status he is not perceived as a man anymore. The Igbo society were so organised and family oriented, it is difficult to find something wrong about it. For example, the Oto Umo Ada were an association of women that regulated meetings with the purpose of good will, mutual respect and diplomacy. Such system establishes the effectiveness of the Igbo society and how well-developed their civilisation is.

It seems to me that we have the obligiation as being Great Britain to illuminate and spread our advancement worldwide however, without being so patriotic. We should dread the thought of being called a "wicked man" but rather should strive to be known as a "valuable man" whom cares for the Igbo civilisation. Blood shed, terror and destruction is not what we want to be remembered for. We have to live up to our British Empire and become role models for our future children.

Achebe Interview

During the Shared Inquiry Discussion, my group and I were able to  reflect on Achebe's Interview with 'The Atlantic' that was published on August 2000. In this SID, my group and I considered the notions that are articulated in the Interview while taking into account Achebe's context of composition that allows him to have a culturally authentic approach to the questions being interrogated. Ultimately, the most meaningful takeaway from the discussion relating to the cultural context of Achebe's work is the fact that he is able to manifest the establishment of his purpose when writing his 'Things Fall Apart' (1958) novel. This is evident as he expresses how he writes not only speaking for African-Americans but rather for a whole "range of people across the globe that does not have the chance to speak about power". I think this really spoke to me as Achebe is able to celebrate his pure Ibi culture that further spurs a sense of nationalistic pride in order to challenge the asserting hegemonic power. By doing so, Achebe is successfully able to establish his cultural authenticity as he showcases the transition into a colonised nation. 

A quote that stood out amongst the rest is definitely when Achebe expresses the imperilment of a single story that instantly would lead to the dangerous effects to our linguistic ethnic like ignorance and cultural divisions between nations. Achebe directly achieves a solid response as he denotes how: "Its not because they don't have something to say, it simply has to do with the division of power, because storytelling has to do with power. Those who win tell the story; those who are defeated are not heard. But that has to change". Such directive tone through the use of the rhetoric persuasion of logos effectually provokes a thoughtful response about our ignorance that reinforces the theme of injustice colonisation. To justify, Achebe highlights the unfair reality of "storytelling" as he expresses how it is the asserting power that write their own perspectives on stories however, Achebe is able to dissent from the norm and exploit linguistic ethnic through his cultural authenticity.

Paper One - Malcolm X's Political Speech the Ballot or the Bullet

 Hala Ariqat

Mr. Michael Molenaar

English Language & Literature

11-3

9/4/2017

1460 words

English Paper One

          The text presented is an extract from a political speech ‘The Ballot or the Bullet’ by African-American Muslim minister Malcolm X. This speech was delivered on April 3^rd 1964 and can be classified as a political speech since it contains a variety of conventions such as rhetorical devices, slogans and memorable advice with the sole purpose of reminding African-Americans of their rights to vote for freedom. The use of political references in history enables the speech to have a distinctive style, as he is able to appeal to his audience and call them to action accordingly. Malcolm X political speech comprises of literary techniques, stylistic features of the text and contextual significance that drives the purpose of persuading African-Americans to stand up against their discrimination through Black Nationalism.

         The audience of this speech is directed towards African-American voters with the exclusive purpose of persuading the audience to stand up for their rights through the championing of Black Nationalism. This is evident when Malcolm X uses pronouns referring to African-Americans by saying: “And it will take black nationalism- that to bring about the freedom of 22 million Afro-Americans here in this country where we have suffered colonialism for the past 400 years”. The use of pronouns like “we” suggests that he is referring to himself as being apart of the African-American race that were discriminated and is directly addressing their lack of social justice during the 1960’s. To justify, Malcolm X suggests that national liberation comes from their own effort rather than white liberals as he continues to champion the philosophy of Black Nationalism. Such use of personal pronouns implies to readers that his purpose is to persuade African-Americans to stand up for their freedom through Black Nationalism. This is also clear when he expresses how: “In 1964 you’ll see this young black man, this new generation asking for the ballot or the bullet”. Obviously, Malcolm X informs African-Americans of his future goals as he strives for change by directly encouraging African-Americans to join him to stand up against discrimination by championing the notion of Black Nationalism. There is no doubt that the audience of this speech is targeted towards African-American voters with the persistence of urging the audience to stand up for their rights through advocating Black Nationalism.

          The Ballot or the Bullet progresses Malcolm X’s need of change in society in order to express the theme of inequality, hope and Black Nationalism. In the beginning of the extract X says: “It is nationalism that brought about the independence of the people in Asia.” in order to drive the theme of black nationalism through the credibility of Asia gaining independence due to nationalism. Such use of historical references reinforces the theme of black nationalism by emphasizing its importance in society in order to gradually progress X’s purpose. Further more in the text, X progresses his need of change in order to drive the theme of inequality by expressing how: “they try and make you think they set you free by calling you a second-class citizen, oh, you’re nothing but a 20^th century slave” in order to denote the cruel way that African-Americans were being treated. Obviously, the speech encourages African-Americans to fight against injustice through the practice of Black Nationalism. X effectively contrasts the action taken towards the struggle for justice between the hegemonic power and the subaltern African-American race in order to further drive the theme of hope by saying: “So today, our people are disillusioned. They’ve become disenchanted. They’ve become dissatisfied, and in their frustrations they want action.” To justify, he expresses how the trickery and false promises of the white man is not something that African-Americans should fall for since their social justice was not seen as a serious problem by the supreme regime. Moreover, X perceives the vital notion of change rather in the peoples hands thus, encourages them to fight against racial discrimination through nationalism. The Ballot or the Bullet progresses Malcolm X’s need of change in society in order to express the theme of inequality, hope and Black Nationalism.

          X employs an assertive tone of which advocates African-Americans rights to vote that develops an inspiring mood in the political speech.  X evokes a sense of assertiveness when he introduces his speech by saying: “It’s time for us today to starts doing some standing, and some fighting to back that up”.  There is not doubt that his clear and directive statement about the notion of Civil rights carries the tone of assertiveness that re-enforces the importance of change that X is striving for his people. Moreover, his tone develops an inspiring mood that is evident when he says: “This new generation asking for the ballot or the bullet. The young generations don’t want to hear anything about the odds are against us. What do we care about odds.” Clearly, his certainty on the young generations perception of politics stimulates an inspiring mood that is also evident when he says: “And in 1964 you’ll see this young black man asking for the ballot or the bullet”. To justify, the use of such determinations allows the audience to evoke a sense of inspiration towards the justice of African-Americans, as he is determined that he will be the change. X employs an assertive tone of which champions African-Americans rights to vote that develops an inspiring mood in the political speech. 

          X uses a variety of literary devices such as bandwagon appeal, anaphora and hypopohra that intensifies the theme of black nationalism in order to drive his purpose of encouraging African-Americans to have the rights to vote. In the beginning of the speech he says: “You can stay in any kind of civic organization that you belong to and still take black nationalism as your philosophy. You can be an atheist and still take Black Nationalism as your philosophy”. X provokes a sense of encouragement towards African-Americans by expressing how suitable nationalism is for anyone through the use of two similar clauses. This is obviously anaphora as he is able to repetitively repeat how an individual can be apart of any belief and still support African-Americans fight for civil rights. As of the use of bandwagon appeal, he conveys how: “If you are black you should be thinking black, and if you are black and you not thinking black at this late date, well I’m sorry for you.” X evokes an image of someone sitting that develops a call of urgency in order to drive the purpose of gaining African-American rights. Further more, X directly asks: “What do you call second-class citizenship? Why, that’s colonization. Second class citizenship is nothing but 20^th century slavery”. Clearly, this implies how the use of hypophora intensifies the importance of black nationalism since their treatment should not be acceptable in society as they are regarded as “20^th century slaves”. X uses a variety of literary devices such as bandwagon appeal, anaphora and hypopohra that intensifies the theme of black nationalism in order to drive his purpose of encouraging African-Americans to have the rights to vote.

          X uses a suitable structure for his political speech that comprises of literary devices in order to develop the importance of the title and text. He structures his ideas in a coherent and organized manner. This is evident where each paragraph focuses on a main theme in order to drive his purpose of encouraging African-Americans to stand up for their voting rights where the first paragraph focuses on the philosophy of Black Nationalism and how it’s a “self help philosophy where once you change your philosophy, you change your thought patter, Once you change your attitude, it changes you behavior pattern and then you go on into some action”. Introducing the philosophy of Black Nationalism cements to the audience the contextual significance that X is striving for during that era. Furthermore, he builds up his need of change by encouraging African-Americans in the second paragraph that: “ American is more so a colonial power as France ever was. In fact, American is more so a colonial power than they because she’s a hypocritical colonial power behind it.” Clearly, he establishes the idea that the superior hegemonic power in charge of the government did not fulfill their needs in terms of racial equality, civil rights and voting rights but rather are being hypocritical. This is further developed in his last paragraph that focuses on the theme of hope where he concludes how: “They’ve become dissatisfied, and in their frustrations they want action.” This concludes how X calls for urgency as he exemplifies the inclusivity of Black Nationalism that drives the audience to stand up for their rights.

         The text is an extract from a political speech given by Malcolm X with the purpose of persuading the audience to stand up for their rights through the championing of Black Nationalism. The political speech comprises of literary techniques, stylistic features such as anaphora, hypophora and bandwagon appeal and contextual significance that drives the purpose of this speech. The Ballot or the Bullet progresses Malcolm X’s need of change in society in order to express the theme of inequality, hope and Black Nationalism.