Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart †Finding Unoka in the Mirror :: Things Fall Apart Essays

Things coin Apart Finding Unoka in the MirrorI wish I could say that the character Okonkwo, in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, is very similar to myself, alone I would be lying. Okonkwo is filled with some(prenominal) admirable traits drive, ambition, goals, and his ability to overcome through his constant productivity. Okonkwo had the determination to reach a great man, and even with the odds against him, he succeeded. With a set out like Unoka, Okonkwo did not have the start in life which galore(postnominal) young men had. He neither inherited a group B nor a title, or even a young wife. But in spite of these disadvantages, he had begun even in his fathers spirit to do the foundations of a prosperous future (18). Most of his accomplishments were despite his father, whom Okonkwo loathed, but with whom I connected. In the novel, I relate more to Okonkwos father, Unoka, a much more laid back character. Like Unoka, I am in love with life, lazy, not worried about tomorrow, and deeply in debt. Unoka had a great appreciation for the moment. For instance, he loved this season of the year, when the rains had stop and the sun rose every morning with dazzling beauty. And it was not also hot either (5). Such a description makes me want to lay raft drowsy in the grass and enjoy the beauty of the day, for as Unoka loved it all (5), I too love it all (5) What I would give for another summer day to simply nap, sprawled on my condense in the grass of my back yard, feeling the warmth of the sun and protective covering of a newborn napping in its mothers arms. How deeply do I love these moments of drowsiness and warmth nature supplies her children. I count on Unoka had similar experiences through playing the flute. He was very good on his flute, and his happiest moments were the two or three moons after the harvest when the village musicians brought down their instruments, hung above the fireplace. Unoka would play with them, his face beaming with b lessedness and peace (4). Unoka and I enjoy the simple things life has to offer. Perhaps this appreciation is rooted in our struggle against society, one which demands the focus of our lives to lie beyond the setting sun. However, on that point must come a day when you ask yourself, will I even be alive tomorrow?