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Things Fall Apart has been recognized as one of the best African novels since its publication in the middle of the 20th century. It tells the story of the village of Umuofia from within, retrieving the lost voice of the colonized. Some critics have praised the book’s endeavor to search for lost roots and identity. I think the romantic idealization that all was well before white people came to the land is of little use for the post-independence era. It is not very helpful to try to purify Umuofia completely from Western influences, either. Okonko tried to be one of the greatest in his clan, only to fall. He was as much a tragic hero as Macbeth was, for they share similar goals and temperament. Okonko’s case, however, has its peculiarity. He did everything to preserve what was traditional in his culture, but then eventually killed himself, going against his cultural code. This paradoxical choice makes him an example of a post-colonial tragic hero.