In Chinua Achebe’s novel *Things Fall Apart*, Okonkwo’s suicide is a complex act rooted in his personal beliefs, cultural pressures, and the profound changes affecting his society. Despite considering himself highly masculine and embodying the traditional Igbo values of strength, bravery, and self-reliance, several factors drive him to take his own life.

Firstly, Okonkwo’s identity is deeply intertwined with the customs and expectations of his society. His entire life is spent striving to differentiate himself from his father’s perceived weakness and failure. He builds his reputation on the foundations of masculinity, success, and honor. However, the arrival of European colonizers and the subsequent erosion of Igbo traditions destabilize this foundation. The colonial imposition undermines the very values and societal structures that define Okonkwo’s sense of self.

Secondly, Okonkwo’s resistance to change and his inability to adapt to the new order lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. He perceives the colonial influence as an existential threat to his culture and personal honor. When he realizes that his fellow villagers, including those he once respected, are unwilling or unable to resist the colonizers effectively, he feels betrayed and isolated.

Ultimately, Okonkwo’s suicide is a final act of defiance and an expression of his profound despair. By taking his own life, he rejects the colonial authority and the subjugation of his people, choosing death over what he sees as a dishonorable life under foreign rule. His suicide also symbolizes the tragic collapse of his world and the devastating impact of colonialism on traditional societies.

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, Eve’s role in the downfall of mankind is a complex subject that intertwines themes of free will, temptation, and patriarchal constructs. Milton presents Eve as a pivotal character in the narrative of humanity’s fall from grace, primarily through her decision to eat the forbidden fruit and persuade Adam to do the same. This act of disobedience is traditionally viewed as the cause of mankind’s downfall.

However, analyzing Eve’s portrayal reveals underlying patriarchal elements. Milton’s depiction of Eve reflects 17th-century attitudes toward women, emphasizing her curiosity, susceptibility to flattery, and perceived inferiority to Adam. These traits suggest that Eve’s transgression can be seen as a medium through which patriarchal ideas are reinforced. The narrative implies that Eve’s secondary creation and her subsequent fall justify male dominance and female subservience.

Thus, while Eve’s actions directly lead to the fall, Milton’s work can also be interpreted as a reflection of patriarchal ideology. The epic suggests that Eve’s role in the downfall is not merely a personal failing but a device to underscore and perpetuate existing gender hierarchies. Consequently, Eve’s portrayal serves both as a catalyst for the fall and as a means for patriarchy to assert itself.