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.