Final answer:
Okonkwo's downfall is portrayed as a consequence of both his own personal flaws and the external forces of colonialism, as depicted in Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'.
Step-by-step explanation:
To what extent is the statement accurate that Okonkwo's tragedy is due to the influence of both internal and external forces? In the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo's downfall is indeed the result of both his inherent character flaws and the broader external forces of colonialism that disrupt his society. Internally, Okonkwo is driven by fear of failure and weakness, leading to his aggressive and often irrational behavior. Externally, the imposition of colonial rule and the accompanying shift in social, religious, and legal structures fundamentally alter the world in which he knows how to operate.
Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart provides a rich exploration of the catastrophic impact of colonialism not just on a single individual but also on the broader cultural and social structures of an African society. It gives voice to the history of colonization from an African perspective, enabling readers across the world to connect with the narrative of dispossession and loss of cultural identity through a deeply personal and tragic story.
In summary, the tragedy of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart is the product of an intersection between his personal flaws and the wider historical forces at work during the era of colonialism, which together encapsulate the multi-layered complexities of individual and collective experiences.