Compare and contrast Okonkwo and his friend Obierika. Which one of the men is more balanced? Prove your position with a good example.

Obierika is a strong, level-headed man of the same village, Umuofia, as the novels’ protagonist Okonkwo. The two are great friends, despite being complete opposites – or foils of one another. Obierika has several wives and many children, which is the custom of Umuofia, and though he greatly respects the traditions of his culture, he is also forward thinking and level-headed enough to realize that Umuofians could learn a thing or two from the outside world.

Obierika is a person who tends to think before acting, which is direct opposite of Okonkwo, who is very impulsive. An example of this is how Obierika does not advocate for the use of violence in order to get revenge against the British colonizers, as he thinks of the possible repercussions. Also, Obierika is open-minded, and appreciates the values and culture that are infiltrating the typical Igbo traditions thanks to the colonizers, while Okonkwo despises this change.

Regardless of their nearly opposite personalities, Obierika supports Okonkwo throughout the novel. For example he chastises Okonkwo after Ikemefuna’s murder, regardless of the fact that he does not approve Okonkwo’s participation in Ikemefuna’s murder. He chastises Okonkwo and questions the morality of his participation in the ritual sacrifice. He says he would have respected the Oracle, but he would not have participated in killing his own son. Obierika is more balanced than Okonkwo because he understands how to temper the rules and regulations of the traditional Igbo religion. Obierika is like Ezedu who warned Okonkwo not to kill his own son. Also, when Okonkwo is exiled from the tribe, Obierika sells Okonkwo’s crops and gives Okonkwo the money.

Obierika also treats people fairly, is kind and just in dealing with his family, and shows himself to be an excellent friend. He is rational, and he reasons out his actions before doing anything. He is curious too and is interested in the British colonist who come to Umuofia. He is fair and honest by his trade dealings and business interactions. Obierika, because he is a real stand-up guy, is greatly respected within Umuofia.

Obierika is loyal to the traditions of Umuofia, true but he also understands the need for change and evolution. He is more open to progress, in a word. He believes there may be learning opportunities that come from Christians who move just outside the village, and thinks they should be treated with respect and dignity. He also thinks the traditions the Umuofians live by need to be questioned from time to time, and he does so openly. On the other hand Okonkwo wants to slaughter all the Christians and remain strictly adhering to the values and traditions passed down through generations. Obierika understands that such a rebellion is useless, as it is too late for any change. While talking to Okonkwo, Obierika says, “The White man is very clever. He came quietly and peacefully with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that hold us together and we have fallen apart.” This demonstrates his personality, he is willing to think about a situation rather than just act. Obierika obviously, is far more open-minded, and it ends up serving him far better in the end.