Final answer:
The fate of Okonkwo in 'Things Fall Apart' is a complex interplay of his personal choices and the overwhelming force of colonialism. While he bears some responsibility for his actions, his fate is also a reflection of historical and societal dynamics that challenge the notion of individual agency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reflecting on the character of Okonkwo from Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, an assessment of whether Okonkwo's fate was deserved can be complex. Okonkwo's actions, such as his adherence to traditional values and his often violent reactions, suggest a degree of personal responsibility.
However, Achebe's narrative also frames Okonkwo as a victim of the irrevocable forces of colonialism and cultural change. Similarly, Sophocles' tragedies express the nuanced relationship between human agency and the divine, as exemplified in the tale of Oedipus who, despite his ignorance of his true parentage, accepts responsibility for his actions.
When considering Achebe's views on indigenous history and the effects of colonization, it is apparent that Okonkwo's struggles are emblematic of a larger clash between traditional societies and the invasive values and structures imposed by colonizers.
As Achebe and Euripides suggest, while individuals may make autonomous choices, their fates are often intertwined with historical and societal forces beyond their control, raising questions about the extent of individual responsibility and fate.