Obierika
Obierika is Okonkwo’s closest friend; knew Okonkwo’s father, Unoka; and understands Okonkwo’s background. Unlike Okonkwo, Obierika is reflective and thoughtful. He often provides commentary on Okonkwo’s actions and on life in Umuofia. These characteristics make Obierika a foil to the more impulsive Okonkwo. Obierika is less driven to prove himself than Okonkwo, which allows him to see things more clearly. However, Okonkwo rarely heeds Obierika’s advice.
Although Obierika is sympathetic to Okonkwo’s depression over Ikemefuna, he still rebukes Okonkwo for his part in the killing. Obierika detests violence, condemning the ritualistic killing. While Obierika values tradition, he also knows that Okonkwo’s role in Ikemefuna’s death was unnecessary.
Obierika gives insight into many events in the novel. He discusses the changes the white missionaries bring and the Igbo traditions of of gift-giving and mysticism. For instance, part of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is devoted to the cultural tradition of marriage. Obierika’s daughter is married off, and he negotiates a bride price and his daughter’s uri, a type of marital celebration. Obierika invites Okonkwo to attend these important celebrations, highlighting their friendship and Obierika’s respect for Okonkwo.
While Okonkwo is exiled, Obierika helps the other clansmen burn down Okonkwo’s hut and farm, as is tradition following a banishment. Obierika visits Okonkwo in Mbanta, informs Okonkwo of news from Umuofia, and grows some of Okonkwo’s yams for him in Iguedo to sell to sharecroppers. Obierika brings these profits to Okonkwo when he visits Mbanta. During Okonkwo’s banishment, Obierika tells him the rumors about the white men and missionaries coming to the villages. The next time Obierika visits, he tells Okonkwo that the missionaries have taken over Iguedo. He tells Okonkwo that Nwoye has converted to the missionaries’ religion. Obierika’s observations during these tumultuous changes are level-headed. He serves as a balance to Okonkwo’s often violent decisions and Okonkwo’s wish to go to war with the white men.
Okonkwo, at the end of his seven-year banishment, asks Obierika to build new huts for him for his return, representing the trust between the two. Near the end of Things Fall Apart, Obierika is angry and confused about Okonkwo’s death. He berates the white men who come to help bury Okonkwo, saying that Okonkwo “was one of the greatest men in Umuofia. You drove him to kill himself; and now he will be buried like a dog.” Obierika can’t finish his sentence and his emotions take over. Obierika’s show of emotion illustrates the many changes that white men have brought. Here, the established “manliness” of not crying or showing grief is overturned.
Expert Q&A
What is Obierika's view on the disposal of twins in Things Fall Apart?
Obierika questions the justice of punishing individuals for actions beyond their control, such as the disposal of twins in Things Fall Apart. He reflects on this when considering Okonkwo's punishment for an accidental crime and recalls his own twin children, who were discarded due to cultural decrees. Obierika finds the punishment for such "offenses" unsatisfactory, highlighting his ambivalence towards traditional practices that punish without regard to personal responsibility.
Why did Obierika help destroy Okonkwo's compound in Things Fall Apart?
Obierika helps destroy Okonkwo's compound due to tribal traditions, which mandate this action after Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman, violating the earth goddess's laws. Despite no personal animosity, Obierika follows custom to prevent disaster for the clan, reflecting the community's strong adherence to tradition. Although he questions the fairness of such punishment for an inadvertent act, he ultimately complies, highlighting the tension between individual thought and communal obligation.
What is Obierika's view on Okonkwo's role in Ikemefuna's death?
Obierika disapproves of Okonkwo's involvement in Ikemefuna's death, viewing it as unnecessary and driven by Okonkwo's desire to prove his strength and adherence to tribal customs. Obierika, a man of reason who opposes violence, sees Okonkwo's actions as selfish and rooted in superstition, contrasting with his own understanding of tradition. He perceives Okonkwo's participation as an attempt to distance himself from his father's perceived weakness.
In Things Fall Apart, why is Obierika a foil to Okonkwo?
In Things Fall Apart, Obierika is a foil to Okonkwo because he is reflective, critical of culture, and adaptable to change, contrasting with Okonkwo's rigidity and arrogance. Obierika's actions, such as refusing to participate in Ikemefuna's killing, highlight his adaptability and foresight, whereas Okonkwo's inflexibility and refusal to show weakness lead to his suffering.
What actions depict Obierika as Okonkwo's alter ego in Things Fall Apart?
Obierika serves as Okonkwo's alter ego by acting as his inseparable friend and deputy during Okonkwo's exile in Things Fall Apart. He manages Okonkwo's yams, questions the tradition that led to Okonkwo's exile, and provides updates about the white men's arrival. Obierika's thoughtful nature contrasts with Okonkwo's impulsiveness. He builds new huts for Okonkwo's return, highlighting his role as a supportive and reflective counterpart.
Which quotes from Things Fall Apart characterize Obierika?
Quotes from Things Fall Apart that characterize Obierika include his advice to Okonkwo about not participating in Ikemefuna's killing: "If I were you I would have stayed at home. What you have done will not please the Earth." Another quote highlights his respect for tradition: "titled men climb trees and pound foo-foo for their wives," criticizing actions that undermine honor. Lastly, his reflection on Okonkwo's banishment shows his struggle with tradition's complexities.
Characterize Obierika, Okonkwo's best friend, in Things Fall Apart.
Obierika, Okonkwo's best friend in Things Fall Apart, is a successful and respected man in his village, known for his hard work and titles. Unlike Okonkwo, Obierika is thoughtful and questions tribal customs, such as the fairness of Okonkwo's exile. He supports Okonkwo by caring for his farm during exile and building huts for his return. Obierika remains a loyal friend, ultimately leading rituals after Okonkwo's tragic death.
Why does Obierika believe the clan is falling apart in Things Fall Apart?
Obierika believes the clan is falling apart due to the demoralizing influence of the white man's religion and government in Things Fall Apart. He argues that it's too late to drive them out, as many clan members have joined the Christian church and government. The clan's internal division and the example of Abame's destruction by few white men highlight the threat of their own potential downfall.
Obierika's demonstration of loyalty and friendship to Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart
Obierika demonstrates loyalty and friendship to Okonkwo in several ways. He visits Okonkwo during his exile, bringing news and supplies, and helps him financially by selling Okonkwo's yams and giving him the profits. Obierika also questions the justice of Okonkwo's punishment, showing his support and concern for his friend's well-being.
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