What defines rational and irrational thought and behavior varies across cultures and generations. It all depends on one's perspective; however, a commonly accepted definition of irrational behavior seems to be behavior that lacks sound judgment. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka, and "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, support this idea by showing us some illustrations of characters who think and act irrationally. Okonkwo, the …showed first 75 words of 1347 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1347 total…insightful medium for writers to review and criticize human nature. Here is a perfect example of literature mirroring, in a creative as well as skeptical manner, patterns of behavior in world history. In all three stories, fear and disdain of the unknown are the main reason the characters think and behave illogically. This fear and disdain turn each of the characters into cruel human beings who are seen committing inhumane and irrational acts toward others.