| On page 142, Okonkwo's friend, Obierika, did him a huge favor by selling his yams and bringing him the money. He said that he would continue to do that until Okonkwo was no longer banned from the village. Okonkwo did not know how to thank him, but Obierika seemed to have something in mind. He offered that Okonkwo could kill one of his sons, but Okonkwo felt the need for more. Next Obierika said, "Then kill yourself." Do you think he was joking? He could just want Okonkwo's place because he was jealous. Was it just tradition? We aren't really sure; the possibilities are endless. |
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
What was the true meaning?
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6 comments:
I think Obierika was joking with Okonkwo. It was stated on page 142 that Obierika is Okonkwo’s friend. I doubt Obierika would do all this for Okonkwo if he wanted him to kill himself. I do not think tradition has anything to do with the saying, “Then kill yourself.”
-Stephen
I do think that Obierika was joking with Okonkwo because after Obierika said that Okonkwo could kill himself, Okonkwo smiled and said "Forgive me... I shall not talk about thanking you any more." This conversation seemed to be light hearted, although it does make you consider whether or not Obierika really is Okonkwo's true friend, or if he does have a deep, hidden hatred for Okonkwo that he is afraid to confess. Even if Obierika really was serious, Okonkwo did not take his statement seriously or disregarded it for the sake of his friendship with Obierika.
-Rachel D.
Both of your points make sense, but can we really be sure that he was joking? It's really easy to believe it was a joke, but we have to look at the bigger picture. Okonkwo had great power, any man could have been jealous enough to betray him, even a close friend.
-Shirleika
I don't think that he was serious at all. I do think that he was being sarcastic and was trying to persuade him, in a odd way, to do what his requested.
In the story, Obierika was joking with Okonkwo. If you read a few lines ahead, then there is clearly a sign that Obierika was joking with Okonkwo.
I think it was a joke. They were friends and he would not want Okonkwo to kill himself. I don't think there would be any tradition about killing themselves.
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