In a patriarchal society where men are perceived as the symbol of strength and intelligence, failing to exhibit “manliness” is a sign of weakness and cowardice. This principle was embedded in the Igbo proverb, “wherever something stands, something else will stand beside it” (Scafe, 2002, p.119). In an interview that Bill Moyer had with the author of the book “Things Fall Apart,” Chinua Achebe said, “it is good to be brave, they say, but also remember that the coward survives the brave man” (1988). Achebe was saying that although a man may be called a coward, there is an advantage to this title. The value lays during war or armed combat. In war, a coward has a better chance of survival compared to the brave who is typically in the forefront who gets killed first. About the story, “Things Fall Apart,” this statement was the representation of Obierika’s character. Obierika was a man of reason and sound judgment. He is often very calm and rational. He refuses to submit to practices and traditions that have no merits other than blind obedience and social approval. Instead of respect and admiration, Obierika is often ridiculed, and his manliness was often questioned even by his own best friend Okonkwo who happens to be widely respected by the whole of the Umuofia tribe because of his bravery and strength. However, towards the end, it was Obierika instead of Okonkwo who stood in front of the tribe leaders lamenting about the fate of the man who always followed the rules to meet their tribe’s approval, but in return they betrayed him.
Dichotomizing the Motivation and Personality of Obierika
Obierika’s character was almost entirely insignificant in the first part of the story “Things Fall Apart.” His character was first mentioned in Chapter 6 when Okonkwo visited Obierika to congratulate the latter’s son, Maduka for a successful wrestling match. Following this short visit, Obierka sought the help of Okonkwo to determine the price of his daughter who was getting married. It was in this scene where Obierika expressed his opposition on some rituals and beliefs of the tribe (Achebe, 2003, p.48). Obierika even adviced Okonkwo about his participation on Ikemefuna’s murder which he referred to as “unpleasing to the goddess which could cost his families fortune and good fate” (Achebe, 2003, p.46). This statement goes to prove how Obierika was a man of high morals refusing to succumb to glory limited to this world. Obierika also defends his refusal to participate in the murder of Ikemefuna and express his disgust of being called “effeminate” by the Umuofia men. If the tribes believe that the men who were willing to stain their hands with blood were brave, while those who do otherwise are cowards, then they were blinded.
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When Okonkwo replied that his action was his conformity to the rule, Obierika refuses to contest any longer. Instead, Obierika expressed his other issues with the tribe’s tradition. One of these traditions includes the killing of a palm tree for tapping purposes (Achebe, 2003, p.48). This behavior does not imply defiance on the part of Obierika. Instead, it is the mark of a man who uses logic and reason in his affairs. Obierika was a practical man who does not see the sense of doing something impractical, and senseless to keep the tradition. His expression was not a sign of defiance but rather, it is a sign of maturity. In the story, the majority of the Umuofia tribesmen blindly follows the orders of the elders, who do not possess any mystical powers contrary to their beliefs. Also, Obierika’s nonconfrontational approach on his friend’s argument on blind obedience was only a sign that Obierika was not born a leader who insists his views and personal beliefs. He was more of the democratic leader who lets others decide for themselves. However, Obierika will not fall short on reminding others about his observation in the hope that it will inspire them to think.
Obierika also proved his honor and integrity when he refused to abandon his friend after being exiled for accidentally killing Ezeudu’s son. Although early in Okonkwo’s exile Obierika’s presence was withdrawn, the latter had to weigh in the odds. However, after Obierika was able to rationalize that Okonkwo committed an accident and he has no intention of killing the boy, Obierika gathered what was left of Okonkwo’s properties in his old house and sold those to get some cowries which he remitted all to Okonkwo. Obierika was able to prove the lack of sympathy and the backward system of the tribe with the fate of his friend. Okonkwo was a man who everyone respected and look up to for his strength and bravery, and yet it was so easy to throw him in exile without having to listen to his side when he fell to their displeasure. When Okonkwo committed suicide, it was a rude awakening for everyone in tribe when Obierika exploded in anger. He criticized the system and the people running the system for being the trigger that pushed Okonkwo to his death. Though Okonkwo committed suicide, Obierika believed that his friend would not have done it if the latter did not strongly think that it is better to die than to lose face and be called a coward. Obierika thought that Okonkwo saw the light when he decided to end his life. Unfortunately, the influence of the tribe was still so high on him that he did not want to be judged and called a coward.
References
Achebe, C. (2003). Things Fall Apart . St. Paul, Minn.: EMC/Paradigm Pub.
Moyer, B. (1988). The World of Ideas: African Author Chinua Achebe. Retrieved from https://billmoyers.com/content/chinua-achebe/
Scafe, S. (2002). 'Wherever Something Stands, Something Else Will Stand Beside It': Ambivalence in Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God. Changing English , 9 (2), 119-131. doi: 10.1080/1358684022000006230
