Okonkwo Explains Rudra's Fear

Oyster thumbnail
15th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 6
Posted: 11 years ago
#1
Currently reading Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and one can draw so many similarities between our Rudra Bana and the protagonist named Okonkwo in Achebe's story. He is a fierce warrior and an honorable lord of his village yet he has this strangeness about him. Something that says he lives in constant fear. He is not the most kind of people when it comes to treating others. Doesn't that sound so much like Rudra?! And he too shared a very strained relation with his father.
Now read this passage from the story:

"Qkonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children. Perhaps down in his heart Okonkwo was not a cruel man. But his whole life was dominated by fear, the fear of failure and of weakness. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, malevolent, red in tooth and claw. Okonkwo's fear was greater than these. It was not external but lay deep within himself. It was the fear of himself, lest he should be found to resemble his father. Even as a little boy he had resented his father's failure and weakness, and even now he still remembered how he had suffered when a playmate had told him that his father was agbala. That was how Okonkwo first came to know that agbala was not only another name for a woman, it could also mean a man who had taken no title. And so Okonkwo was ruled by one passion - to hate everything that his father Unoka had loved. One of those things was gentleness and another was idleness."

Won't you consider that a perfect analysis of Rudra's character?! At least I told myself this is sooo Rudra-like and hence logged in to share it with you guys!
Edited by Oyster - 11 years ago

Created

Last reply

Replies

6

Views

1.4k

Users

5

Likes

19

Frequent Posters

Zeeliciousxo thumbnail
11th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 11 years ago
#2
Yes our Rudra is similar to Okonkwo. I hope though, that unlike Okonkwo, Rudra changes - what a shame if he stays angry and mean and insecure all his life!
Jaz1990 thumbnail
19th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 11 years ago
#3
A great observation! I have not read this book or heard of it. But this character does sound a lot like rudra.
SS88 thumbnail
12th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 11 years ago
#4
I havent read the book. But this character's problems seem to be similar to Rudra's. And so is his approach to fighting the demons of his past. If he never changed, it was probably because he never found his Paro. Because in real life you have to learn to slay your demons yourself.
Oyster thumbnail
15th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 6
Posted: 11 years ago
#5

Originally posted by: SS88

I havent read the book. But this character's problems seem to be similar to Rudra's. And so is his approach to fighting the demons of his past. If he never changed, it was probably because he never found his Paro. Because in real life you have to learn to slay your demons yourself.


Just started chapter 4 so not sure if he was able to fight his demons or not. Will let you know :) but I am pretty sure he doesn't have a Paro in his life.
Oyster thumbnail
15th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 6
Posted: 11 years ago
#6

Originally posted by: Jaz1990

A great observation! I have not read this book or heard of it. But this character does sound a lot like rudra.


If you're into postcolonial literature, read it Jaz. You'll enjoy it although it's based in a quite distant setting - Africa. The book has won many awards and was a bestseller.
Zeffy thumbnail
11th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail Networker 2 Thumbnail
Posted: 11 years ago
#7
Well that's pretty good analysis when the characters are compared closely. Thanks for sharing and does look like an interesting book to read!!
Wow I guess PaRud has taken over, books padate padate bhi unka khayal aata hai!!
Hope you have a good time reading the book!!

Related Topics

Top

Stay Connected with IndiaForums!

Be the first to know about the latest news, updates, and exclusive content.

Add to Home Screen!

Install this web app on your iPhone for the best experience. It's easy, just tap and then "Add to Home Screen".