Theme Of Violence In Things Fall Apart

Violence is the aggressive behaviour showcased by an individual. In general, being violent will always create more problems hence, lead to self-destruction. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the European especially the British were at peak of its power. They were controlling half of the world. By that time Africa was one of the major continents that was colonized by the Europeans. However, there were people who was very upset with the practice of colonization, which they reacted to with violence. Throughout the novel Things Fall Apart Achebe uses characterization and conflict to portray the theme of violence. In Things Fall Apart Okonkwo the main character of the novel was portrayed as an aggressive guy who was very violent in every move …show more content…
As stated “Nwoye turned round to walk into the inner compound when his father, suddenly overcome with fury, sprang to his feet and gripped him by the neck. Where have you been?"(Achebe 54). This shows that for Okonkwo to solve any problem violence is the way to go. Even though that’s his own son, he never gives him the respect or value he deserves. Okonkwo always neglects his son of being weak. Throughout the novel he never tried to understand his son and every time Nwoye did something that Okonkwo didn’t like punishment was the way to go just like with the case of his wife . After this incident Nwoye leaves his father for forever. To Okonkwo violence is more important than his relationship with his son. As we can see instead of solving the problem in peace and keeping a healthy relationship with his son he tends to show the violent side of him. Therefore, as the novel progressed, through characterization we can see how Okonkwo’s character becomes more and more aggressive and as he becomes more violent it starts to hunt him both personally and mentally. In both the examples the act of violence doesn’t allow him to have a strong personal relationship with his