The novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad are very different from each other. While each tells a very different story, we know that both are set in Africa and that they have similarities. One of the similarities that each novel has is the main character who struggles in both. Marlow is morally fighting a conflict. On the other hand, Okonkwo is trying to fight the conflict physically. Both cause the main character to lose his battle with the conflict at the end of each novel. We learned very early on that Okonkwo is known for his physical abilities. Achebe shared his story: “As a young man of eighteen he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amatinze the cat” (3; ch.1). This not only brought him fame but also respect in his village, Umuofia. His physical characteristics were a great asset when Umuofia was at war with a neighboring village. Where Okonkwo encountered his problems was when he could not use the fists he depended on so much. Others in the village could discuss the problems and find solutions, while his solution was always war and murder. We learned that his lack of speaking skills was a major reason for his attitude toward solving problems through discussion; instead, "...Okonkwo thundered and stammered" (14; ch.2). What he lacked in words due to his stammer and stammer, he made up for in punches and violent actions. The only problem was that, as a result, compromise seemed to be a principle alien to Okonkwo. When the five messengers arrived at the market at the end of the book, the chief messenger barely managed to send a short message before Okonkwo acted violently against him. Achebe described his actions: In a flash Okonkwo dre... in the midst of paper... and beliefs. Neither of them wanted the change, but they couldn't stop it. Change doesn't have to be a bad thing, but for both of us it turned out to be. Okonkwo could have listened to what the colonists had to say about their religion and compromised to solve both groups' problems. Marlow could have spread the news of what he had discovered was happening in Africa. Both chose not to do so and were consequently unsuccessful. Achebe and Conrad told largely different stories, but with some similarities. There was a lot of conflict in both, especially for the main characters. They were fighting morally inside and physically outside, only to give up at the end of each novel. Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things fall apart. 1st ed. New York: Anchor Books, 1994. 3-209. Print.Conrad, Giuseppe. Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer. 2nd ed. New York: Bantam Books, 1981. 3-132. Press.