A growing body of contemporary literature traces its origins to the early works of Greece. For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the impossible notion of perfection. Unrealistic expectations placed on those thought to be the noblest or most honorable individuals have repeatedly led to disappointment and frustration, both on the part of those particular individuals and those they influence. Classical characters, such as Odysseus and Oedipus for example, exemplify the excess of certain positive character traits, such as pride or honesty, which ironically lead to their personal misfortune. Throughout literary history, particularly in Greek writings and seemingly still evident in international works today, there are continuities in the human fear of failure. Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, details a remote native African society, the Igbo people, and their struggle with Anglican colonization at the turn of the century. The main character Okonkwo is forced to deal with change and transition and bears essential similarities to the tragic hero. Okonkwo is strong physically, politically, spiritually and economically; however, these strengths combined with his emotional insecurities force him into a tragic downfall, much like that of the classic Greek heroes. In typical Greek tragedies, the main character is driven to achieve a goal that would prove him worthy of an audience. admiration of the other characters. This goal is most likely a good intention; however, some unavoidable personality or character flaw prevents the achievement of the goal and instigates the final tragedy. Aristotle coined the term hamartia, which has often been interpreted to mean... middle of paper... hero." Kentucky State University. Web. May 28, 2014. http://www.kysu. edu/artsscience/ENG411 /tragic%20hero.htmWorks ConsultedInnes, CL Chinua Achebe Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990.Obiechina, Emmanuel "Narrative Proverbs in the African Novel," Research in African Literatures, 24, 4 (1993), 123-140 Grace. "From the Heart of Masculinity: Ogbodo-Uke Women's Masking." Research in African Literatures, 25, 3 (1994) , 7-17. Quayson, Ato “Realism, Criticism and the Disguise of Both: A Reading of The Things of Chinua Achebe fall to pieces with an evaluation of the criticism relating to it. Research in African Literatures 25. 4, 1994: 117–36.Traore, Ousseynou “Things fall to pieces; A poetics of epic and mythical paradigms." Approaches to teaching Achebe's Things Fall Apart. ed. Bernth Lindfors. New York: MLA, 1991, 65-73.