Perfect Character A Delusion or Reality
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?
It is possible if the intention of the governance changed. At
first it might be honesty that drives him along but as time goes by, he might
found another interest such as money or power. When this happens, the longer
the person is in charge, then the more awful the people get treated. To find
such a good leader with excellent qualities are indeed hard but if the people
had known of the true intention of the leader, they must act against him. The people
must play their role to get the good instead of only longing for it to come by
itself.
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?
Okonkwo had once known as ‘The Roaring Flame’ for his
courage, strength and power. He had defeated Amainze,the cat who was a tough
fighter from the other village to make his people grant him that title. He was
inspiring the people by that sense and plus when he grew up, he married three
wives, got children and own his own yam field. It was symbol of a successful
man in Umofia. He was considered a respected man before he was casted away from
his village for accidentally killed a young boy. When he returned to Umofia, he
was shocked to find that the missionaries already affected the village and the
people in it. He tried to fight back and do all his might to rebel. He was disappointed
with his kinsmen whom he adored so much as they had turned feminine for not
fighting the missionaries. At last, he acted by killing one of the messenger
abruptly in the market in front of his people and that had brought questions to
them, wondering why did he commit such an act. Okonkwo later felt so depressed
by the villagers and there were nothing more he could do to save his people, he
decided to take his own life by hanging himself on a tree. And that is
considered a taboo for Ibo tribe, to kill own life. In the end, his people disappointed
in him and could not even touch him to get him buried properly although he was
once a great man.
• What are
the characteristics of Okonkwo that you can find in your nation’s leader?
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, is the
former prime minister of my nation and he is indeed a great man, just like
Okonkwo. The characteristics of Okonkwo which is strong, intelligent and
dependent are reflected in Tun Mahathir’s personality. He had never quit to
make Malaysia a great country and did his best to protect her from any harm. The
same goes to Okonkwo when he tried to protect Umofia from the missionaries. Okonkwo
wanted his children to be successful and Unoka, his son to respectable be like
him and Tun Mahathir wanted the same for his children. The only difference they
have is Okonkwo died in such not pleasant way but Tun Mahathir retired respectably
after performing his duties as Prime Minister of Malaysia for 20 years.
by : Ateeq Medina
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