Research PaperIn all walks of life, people face suffering and hardship. One person may suffer alone, while the other is surrounded by the loving support of family and friends. When faced with challenges, many people seek to prove their strength by hiding their suffering. However, not everyone can carry so much pain and suffering on their own shoulders. Throughout society, these situations often appear in a person's life, as well as that of their family and friends. While this theme is visible in society, it is also evident in many literary works. In Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, in the midst of difficult situations, gaining strength and support from family, friends, and religion helps one overcome life's challenges more effectively than rely on your own strength. Despite the distance that separates a large majority of families, they come together to comfort each other in difficult times. A good example of this statement is the support Okonkwo, the proud and stubborn main character of Things Fall Apart, received from his family. During his seven years of exile, “Okonkwo was well received by his mother's relatives in Mbanta” (Achebe 129). Without the help of his family, Okonkwo would struggle to provide and care for his family. Okonkwo realizes that “family ties are a link to our beginnings and a guide to our future” during his time with his mother's (D. Kathy) family. When family supports and encourages them to achieve their goals, it increases their chances of success and a better future. The relationship a person has with their family determines strength and confidence...... middle of paper ....... Donna Rosenberg. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2004. 142-202. Print.Kim, Brian. “Don’t fall into the trap of relying only on yourself.” The definitive guide to self-improvement. Brian Kim, May 5, 2008. web. March 25, 2014. .Marr, Elijah P., Rev. “Leaning On Christ,” Smart Data Systems, nd Web. March 19, 2014. Nauert, Rick, Dr. “Family support helps children manage stress.” » Blog post. Psychcentral.com. Psych Central, February 8, 2010. Web, March 24, 2014. Savannah “True Story: Savannah House,” Phoenix House Foundation, October 2 2014.. 2014. .