One of the first things we experience at school is peer pressure. Even at a young age, our environment influences our decisions – on clothing style, on school supplies, and even on our personality. Not being able to fit in results in bullying, but following the crowd on everything will take a toll on our creativity and independence. So how do we assimilate with the society while retaining our uniqueness? Though most relevant to today’s teenagers, this question has plagued mankind for centuries; it has even been explored in classical literature. Although set in different places at different times, both Things fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Antigone by Sophocles explore the theme of an individual’s conflict with their society, specifically,
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Umuofia expects Nwoye to act like a man: warlike, condescending to women, and merciless in following the laws of the clan. Yet, when he hears the cries of twin babies thrown away by their fathers, "something gives away inside of him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." Although Nwoye's heart weeps in protest of such an action, he must keep this sentiment inside of him, for a man would never hesitate to the law of the clan. In Umuofia, feelings are repressed along with actions, thereby preventing the chance of protest or change. In Umuofia, each man doggedly follows the rule of the clan, believing his conscience to be wrong if contrary to the clan's traditions. Similarly, Thebes expects Ismene to act like a woman: submissive to a man. Yet, she needs to defy the words of a king to express love and respect for her bother. Although her heart prays for Polynices, she knows that " [she] is only a woman, she cannot fight with men." Her choice of word "cannot," instead of "should not," makes clear that she does not wish to be subordinate, but Ismene has never known anything else. To her, defying the law seems unfathomable. Nwoye (before the introduction of church) and Ismene both fear losing a place in the society. This fear, combined with centuries old philosophy, forms an indestructible cage for their personal …show more content…
With the introduction of moneymaking businesses and other luxuries, the people of Umuofia have decided to co-exist with white people. Nonetheless, Okonkwo "mourns for the warlike people of Umuofia" and encourages them to fight for their gods, to "not reason like cowards." Still, the villagers let the other messengers escape, and Okonkwo kills himself, unable to hide his disgust and humiliation. Okonkwo's intense retaliation derives from a confidence in the morality of his action; he sincerely believes driving out the British will turn time back to the way it was. But his view contradicts that of the society and he must assimilate or leave. Similarly, Creon refuses to understand his subjects: "No traitor is going to be honored with the loyal man," he declares, and continues to dishonor Polynices' body. (Antigone Scene 1. lines 44 –45) Additionally, he imprisons his niece, Antigone, for burying her brother, saying, " If I permit my own family to rebel, how shall I earn the world's obedience?" (Scene 3, line 30 –31). Creon's self - assured righteousness guides his decisions; he truly thinks defiance, even in little things lead to anarchy. But this puts him at odds with his citizens. Setting aside their judgment, both Okonkwo and Creon try to follow what they believe is the right path, but remain thwarted by popular
Umuofia expects Nwoye to act like a man: warlike, condescending to women, and merciless in following the laws of the clan. Yet, when he hears the cries of twin babies thrown away by their fathers, "something gives away inside of him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." Although Nwoye's heart weeps in protest of such an action, he must keep this sentiment inside of him, for a man would never hesitate to the law of the clan. In Umuofia, feelings are repressed along with actions, thereby preventing the chance of protest or change. In Umuofia, each man doggedly follows the rule of the clan, believing his conscience to be wrong if contrary to the clan's traditions. Similarly, Thebes expects Ismene to act like a woman: submissive to a man. Yet, she needs to defy the words of a king to express love and respect for her bother. Although her heart prays for Polynices, she knows that " [she] is only a woman, she cannot fight with men." Her choice of word "cannot," instead of "should not," makes clear that she does not wish to be subordinate, but Ismene has never known anything else. To her, defying the law seems unfathomable. Nwoye (before the introduction of church) and Ismene both fear losing a place in the society. This fear, combined with centuries old philosophy, forms an indestructible cage for their personal …show more content…
With the introduction of moneymaking businesses and other luxuries, the people of Umuofia have decided to co-exist with white people. Nonetheless, Okonkwo "mourns for the warlike people of Umuofia" and encourages them to fight for their gods, to "not reason like cowards." Still, the villagers let the other messengers escape, and Okonkwo kills himself, unable to hide his disgust and humiliation. Okonkwo's intense retaliation derives from a confidence in the morality of his action; he sincerely believes driving out the British will turn time back to the way it was. But his view contradicts that of the society and he must assimilate or leave. Similarly, Creon refuses to understand his subjects: "No traitor is going to be honored with the loyal man," he declares, and continues to dishonor Polynices' body. (Antigone Scene 1. lines 44 –45) Additionally, he imprisons his niece, Antigone, for burying her brother, saying, " If I permit my own family to rebel, how shall I earn the world's obedience?" (Scene 3, line 30 –31). Creon's self - assured righteousness guides his decisions; he truly thinks defiance, even in little things lead to anarchy. But this puts him at odds with his citizens. Setting aside their judgment, both Okonkwo and Creon try to follow what they believe is the right path, but remain thwarted by popular