Final answer:
Okonkwo's tragic flaw is his pride and his fear of appearing weak, a concept known as hamartia in literary terms. This character trait leads to his downfall in a similar manner to classical Greek tragedy protagonists who experience hubris and suffer grave consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Okonkwo's tragic flaw in Things Fall Apart is primarily his pride and his deep-seated fear of appearing weak. This is akin to the concept of hamartia as defined by Aristotle, where a character's downfall is precipitated by a tragic flaw. In classical Greek tragedies, such as those written by Sophocles, the protagonist often experiences hubris, or excessive pride, leading to their demise. For example, King Creon in Antigone exhibits hubris, which ends in personal and familial tragedy. Similarly, Okonkwo's actions are driven by his fear of weakness, seen by him as a failure and a contrast to his perception of strength.
Furthermore, Okonkwo has a poor relationship with his son, Nwoye, which exacerbates his inner conflict and contributes to his tragic end. This aspect of Okonkwo's character reflects his inability to reconcile his ideals with the changing world around him and his son's divergent path. This strand of the narrative hones in on intergenerational conflict and the inflexibility that sometimes plagues human nature.