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Monday, September 21, 2009
Best Friends: Okonkwo and Obierika
After a careful reading of Chapters 7 and 8, we have a chance to compare Okonkwo to his best friend Obierika. Although the men are both well-respected members of their village, they don't always see things exactly the same way. Take a few minutes and think about the similarities and differences that you see when looking at the two men. Now, focusing on just two or three important areas/characteristics, take the time to compare and contrast the two men for our readers. Don't forget to include a few story details. It will make it easier for us to see the men just as you see them.
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The huge differences between Okonkwo and Obierika have to do with the understandings and opinions with the traditions that were carried on for generations in their village. For example, when the two men are talking about the tradition of tapping palm trees in association with the ozo title. Both Okonkwo and Obierika don't like the fact that they cannot tap their own palm trees, but Okonkwo believes that since it's always been done that way that tradition needs to be carried on. Obierika believes that this tradition needs to be changed because of the amount of palm trees that are killed because of the lack of experience the young men have tapping palm trees. Also, when Ikemefuna was taken to be killed Okonkwo went with the other men and played a prt in the killing of this boy that he had an immense amount of love for. Obierika believes Okonkwo shouldn't have went at all, but Okonkwo defends his decision by saying that if every man were afraid of blood that the job wouldn't have gotten done. One of the few similarities that Okonkwo and Obierika have is the agreement that the way that the bride-price is set in Umofia is better than some tribes and worse than others. They agreed that their way of doing things is not always the best but not always the worst either. I believe that Obierika's thinking is extremely different than Okonkwo's train of thought. Which, in my opinion, is why they are such good friends. -Gabby W.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo and Obierika are very good friend even though they're different. After killing Ikemafuna, Okonkwo went and saw Oberika at his obi. Obierika made a statement about how the actions Okonkwo chose to make would eventually come back to haunt him (foreshadowing upcoming events). This boy had called Okonkwo father but, Okonkwo still assisted in his murder because that was what the oracle said had to be done.As to where Obierika wouldn't have been apart of such a matter. He states "... if the oracle said that my son should be killed I would neither dispute it nor be the one to do it." . Okonkwo went on the journey to kill Ikemafuna because he didn't want to be viewed as weak in his village. And also did everything as it had always been done (tradition). Obierika was not afraid to question decisions which were made by the elders or the oracle and was more worried about pleasing himself than others. These two man agreed sometimes on certain topics such as how and by who the tapping of the trees should be done, and about Obierika's daughter Akueke (her bride price or worth).
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo and Obierika don't see eye to eye on some things. Okonkwo is very hard working and and will never question what he is told to do but that makes him come off as a follower. He doesn't know how to show his emotions and is afraid to be seen as weak which is why he helped kill Ikemefuna although he was told not to. Ikemefuna was like another son to him. Obierika is a powerful man, like Okonkwo, but he thinks for himself. He is not afraid to show his emotions. He does not question the Oracle but he would not do something as bad as kill his own son. If the Oracle said his son was to be killed he would not argue against it but he would not help either.
ReplyDeleteThe men are different in the way they persieve themselves. One thinks they are right when the other thinks the opposite. They are still friends even though they don't always see eye to eye.
Okonkwo and Obierika they are both very strong men. They also have very strong family foundations; also they are both OZO’s. They both are very bright in ways of thinking and living. But they are very different as well. Such as having different points on rising there children, Obierika rather his children learn from there mistakes on there own and Okonkwo rather beat them until they understand not to do it wrong. Obierika is kind a laid back type of guy and don’t let his anger get the best of him, on the other hand Okonkwo lets his anger take over and makes him do dumb thing at the wrong time. Okonkwo wants them be a hard head and let his pride be the best of him when Obierika lets his pride be known but he knows his lets. But these to are best friends and they are still friends
ReplyDeletePride is what separates Okonkwo and his friend Obierika. Okonkwo feels as if he always has something to prove to his clan, while obierika has found pride in his life now not the life he wishes to have. Okonkwo is continuing to strive for greatness and does not care who he steps on in the process, this is why Okonkwo has no respect for unsuccessful men. Obierika is proud of his life; his wives and children have made him proud and he excepts great things in their time but on the other hand okonkwo pushes his family to the edge in hopes that they may one day be the leaders of the clan. To obtain this goal okonkwo must follow the rules and laws of the clan without question. Obierika has lost some faith in the absolute right of the gods and now questions some beliefs as he watches okonkwo's, his great friend, life wither and lose worth.
ReplyDeleteThe similarities and differences that Okonkwo and Obierika both share is, they both are very strong men and they take care of there families very well. Also, they are bright in the way the think about things. Another similarity is they both have the same title which is being a Ozo. Even though, Okonkwo and Obierika have some similarities but they also have some differences. For instance the day Ikeufuma got killed, Okonkwo believed that he should have not went to the killing of a boy of a boy that was like his son, but Orierika believes he should of stayed out of it and stayed home. So this just shows that Orierika likes to stay drama free as much as possible and he also makes the right Choices when it comes down to serious situation like the one Okonkwo.
ReplyDeleteObierika and Okonkwo are two well respected members of their village, but they have their differences. For example, Okonkwo believes that his children should grow up fast while Obierika thinks they should take their time. Also, Obierika thought that Okonkwo should not have participated in the killing of his son, Ikemefuna, whereas Okonkwo thinks he did the right thing by holding his title and proving that he wasn’t weak. On the other hand, the two men have similarities as well. For instance, they both value the rules of their tribe, and they are well known for their big titles. When looking at the two men you also notice that Obierika and Okonkwo both respect their children.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo and Obierika are two of the most respected men of their village. They also happen to be great friends. Even though they are great friends they don't always see eye to eye on certain topics. While Obierika thinks that the children are only children and should not have to grow up so fast, Okonkwo thinks they should be able to take care of themselves almost instantly. They also do not agree on the killing of Ikemefuna. Obierika thinks Okonkwo should not have gone and shouldn't have had anything to do with it, but Okonkwo thinks it was his duty to go because of the title he holds in the village. While talking the two discuss the tradtion of palm tapping and while they don't agree with it Okonkwo thinks that because it has always been that way it should stay that way, while Obierika thinks it should be changed. A similarity the two have are that they both hold the same title in their village. They are also both strong men who take care of their families.
ReplyDelete