PARADIGMS OF HEROISM, HUBRIS AND HAMARTIA IN CHINUA ACHEBE'S THINGS FALL APART

Communication involves verbal and nonverbal aspects of how messages are conveyed that provide information about the relationship between speaker and addressee(s). This exists in daily life and within literary works like prose and drama. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, , elements of valour (heroism) and weakness (hubris) exists, exemplified within the narration and technique communicated to the audience. The themes of heroism and hubris were examined through textual analysis of the novel, and a reliance on Franco, Blau, and Zimbargo’s Archetypes of Heroism and Aristotle’s concept of hubris. Okonkwo, the main character, is highly dignified and full of pride and valour. His heroism evolved from his strength and accomplishments, and traits of hubris makes him fallible by ignoring, disregarding laws, and being negligent of warnings. His downfall is exemplified by the refusal or the inability of his clan’s men to support him in extirpating the white from his Umuofia clan and beyond. Hence, he commits suicide through heroic traits and the excessive hubris embedded in him. There is sufficient substantiation of hubris and heroism paradigms, communicated through human traits, communal affective ties, communal disillusionment and social relationships/disenchantment in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart through Okonkwo, the novel’s protagonist.

Key words: Chinua Achebe, Communication, Heroism, Hubris, Things Fall Apart.