Both Friend and Foil: How the Characterization of Obierika Conveys Human Truths and Social Concerns Anonymous 10th Grade

In his novel, Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe masterfully uses his characters to convey larger human truths as well as to drive his plot. Things Fall Apart is about the colonialization of a Nigerian tribe called the Igbo, following the characters of respected clansman Okonkwo and his good friend Obierika. Achebe uses the characterization of Obierika not only as a foil to the protagonist Okonkwo, but also to raise questions about power, tradition and privilege.

First, Achebe establishes Obierika as the foil to Okonkwo, using the motif of masculinity to convey the human truth of power in Ibo society. Early in the novel, Okonkwo kills Ikemefuma in front of the other men because he is afraid of being thought weak. Later, he speaks with Obierika, accusing him for not taking part and claiming that Obierika is “afraid of blood” (58). The connotation of the word “afraid” here, especially in the context of the Ibo society, is that of weakness. By showing fear within the tribe, you stand the chance of being thought of as weak and therefore less masculine, which could affect your rank within the Ibo tribe. A prime example of a believer in this is Okonkwo, who goes as far as to murder Ikemefuma so he looks strong. Okonkwo is very...