WEEK 4 Perfect Character A Delusion or Reality

SITI NOOR AMIRA 

In the novel Animal Farm, the hope for a better world remains unattainable. Even with the change of governance, the animals are eventually mistreated. How is it possible that the longing for good can turn awry when the person is in power for long?

In the case of Okonkwo, he is not painted as someone who is without fault. In fact, he is in many ways a tragic hero. Neither is he a person who is evil despite his part in killing Ikemefuna. Based on your understanding of him in the novel, reflect on the following questions:

• How has Okonkwo been a figure of inspiration and disappointment to his people? 
• What are the characteristics of Okonkwo that you can find in your nation’s leader?

Okonkwo plays as the main role in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. It is shown as a tragic hero who in the beginning, the author represents him as a tough and brave man. A man who possesses a quality of masculinity.  In his youth, he brought honor to his village by beating Amalinze the Cat in a wrestling contest. Until his match with Okonkwo, the Cat had been undefeated for seven years. This shows how powerful Okonkwo is. He is an inspiration for the youngest. He also does not portrays the attitude of his father. His father is lazy man and he is totally different from him. He gains wealth by his own effort. He does not depend on anybody just like some of the villagers that inherit from their heir. It will be a proof that Okonkwo is a character that we should emulate. Unfortunately, not all people can achieve the glory until they die. Okonkwo is going to fall down when the missionaries come. It begins when his son turns back on him. He chooses to follow the missionaries then the villagers also one-by-one try to adapt the new religion. From here, Okonkwo starts to give a disappointment not only for the villagers but also for the readers. He cannot face the problem and lastly he commits suicide by hanging himself on a tree. 

Okonkwo's characteristic that I find in my nation's leader is brave to face the enemy. Lately, our country has been attacked by the intruders from Sulu tribe. It was very violent when they came to Malaysia to claim for Sabah. They killed the policemen and armies and this cannot be forgiven. Our Prime Minister said that Government will not compromise on the safety, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Malaysia. It shows that he does not afraid of any threat given by the enemy.