The Theme of Destiny on the Novel "Things Fall Apart"

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Things Fall Apart: Theme of Destiny
The theme of destiny is one that presents several debatable issues in society today. The first one is whether mankind can create their own destiny. The second one is whether mankind can influence or alter their destiny. These things often bring about endless conversations as people never seem to agree or find common ground. Chinua Achebe, one of the most decorated African authors, showcases man’s quest to create his own destiny in the story Things Fall Apart. By following the life of Okonkwo, Achebe conveys the message that fate is powerful and cannot be altered by hard work or man’s determination. As seen in the story, Okonkwo tries to overcome his fate and forge a new one where he is the hero. However, fate appears to be having its way in that it defies him and leads him towards an inevitable end. Achebe is keen to showcase the notion that fate or one’s destiny must eventually be accepted. So, by focusing on man’s failed quest to change his destiny, this article seeks to showcase that while at first, it can seem as if mankind is having his way, in the end, fate always wins.
Okonkwo is a hardworking man who had achieved a lot in his life before the British colonialists came. Through hard work and the fact that he was born of a father who was also hardworking, Okonkwo accepts his destiny through hard work. His mission is to ensure that what he believes to be his destiny comes true. To illustrate the above, Achebe certain statements which help to showcase that Okonkwo had indeed tried to change his destiny by doing what he felt was necessary. For example, Achebe writes that “if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings” (8). He continues to note that “Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands and so he ate with kings and elders” (8). The above statement shows the life that Okonkwo was living trying to fulfil what he felt and believed to be his destiny. Okonkwo did his best and Achebe does acknowledge this bit which coincides with what many people try to do as they seek to influence where they will end up in life. In another instance, Achebe shows that everything was going the wa...