Thirteen chapters into Things Fall Apart, I can't help seeing the novel as a story in the Ancient Greek vein of Oedipus and Antigone. To me, Okonkwo is everything that defines a Greek Hero. His character traits, and more importantly character flaws mirror those of the heroes famed heroes, namely Oedipus, Odysseus, and Achilles.
Similarly to these characters, Okonkwo is revered for his achievements and vastly respected among his peers. These Greek worlds are filled with death, war, and harsh behavior, which can clearly also be said of the village of Igbo. The worlds they inhabit are cruel and tough, and the heroes are even more so.
Similar to Oedipus, I believe Okonkwo is in a downward spiral, easily predicted, and caused by his own actions and character flaws. This inevitable crash is what, overall, leads me to see this tale as an Ancient Greek one.
On an unrelated note, I can't help but see the parallels between Oknonkwo's situation, and Collin Ferrells in the 2008 film In Bruges. Do you think the writers intentionally mimicked Things Fall Apart?
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