Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" explores the complex relationship between tradition and modernity, highlighting the clash between the Igbo culture and British colonialism. Through the protagonist, Okonkwo, Achebe examines the impact of social responsibility on individuals caught in this conflict. Okonkwo's adherence to traditional values, particularly his fear of being seen as weak and his relentless pursuit of societal approval, ultimately leads him to acts of violence and ostracization. This tragic trajectory underscores the burden of social responsibility, highlighting the potential for it to stifle individual agency and create a cycle of violence, as seen in Okonkwo's downfall. Achebe's novel compels readers to consider the inherent tensions between individual freedom and the demands of societal expectations, particularly in the context of cultural change and the consequences of colonization.