Comparison Between Michael Henchard and Okonkwo

Comparison Between Michael Henchard and Okonkwo

This will be a direct comparison between the two leading characters in

the books 'Things Fall Apart', written by Chinua Achebe and 'The Major

of Casterbridge', written by Thomas Hardy. I will compare and contrast

both the differences and similarities in the personalities of the

Nineteenth Century major and the more contemporary trial leader.

Okonkwo is more contemporary because the book is set in a very

traditional African village, and has basic, moral issues associated

with it.

At the beginning of Chapter Five in 'The Major of Casterbridge' we

meet a man of distinct wealth and power, shown through the highly

prestigious title that he has earned. It is of course Michael

Henchard, newly elected Major of the corn-merchant town, Casterbridge.

He is at the height of his success through his profiting business, and

has earned the respect of fellow colleges through his perseverance of

power.

Okonkwo, a tribal elder, also earned his respect through his own

successes. From the very first page we hear about his youthful triumph

in the wrestling ring by, 'throwing Amalinze the Cat.' 'His fame

rested on solid personal achievements,' and from that moment on he

built up his possessions and power through the Obi that he owned. The

Obi, in war and in farming was among the trappings of success.

In both books we also learn about the men's shaded history, especially

the events of Michael Henchard. From one profound mistake would base

the beginning of his oath, an oath that would drive him to success.

After more than just one dose of rum in his fermity, Henchard stood up

before a crowded ...

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... that they cannot bury him for he has committed a deadly sin. A sin the

other tribe men will have to cleanse. To shed blood on the clan is

considered the ultimate crime as it is contradictory to everything

else you are ever taught.

His death is also pay back on the white people to show them the

horrific atrocities they have enforced on the land and how they have

destroyed the lives of many black Nigerians. He also wants to

frustrate the white man by not telling then the message, found in the

book.

Throughout the two books you find many instances where both men are

forced to express their emotions violently in many occasions and most

definitely domineering. Each challenge that the pair faces seems to

unleash even more of this inner demon, as if a chord inside them is

slowly snapping under the constant demands.