In
chapter eight,visitsand discusses his role in 's death. Obierika does not conceal his feelings
and criticizes Okonkwo for his actions. After their discussion, Obierika invites Okonkwo to help
him negotiate the bride-price for his soon-to-be-married daughter, Akueke. Negotiating a
bride-price is an important element of the Igbo marriage tradition, and Obierika requesting
Okonkwo's help signifies their close bond and friendship. Okonkwo is one of eight men included
in the negotiations, and the men use bundles of broomsticks to decide how many bags of cowries
the suitor will pay for Obierika's daughter. After the men deliberate, they finally settle on
twenty bags of cowries as the bride-price. The men then proceed to discuss strange customs
practiced by neighboring villages.
Negotiating a bride-price is an intimate,
important affair, and Obierika's invitation for Okonkwo to participate underscores their close
friendship. Obierika is Okonkwo's best friend and acts as his foil throughout the story. Unlike
Okonkwo, Obierika is sympathetic and thoughtful. He is always in control of his emotions and
prefers to approach issues intellectually. During Okonkwo's exile, Obierika supports him by
selling his yams and taking care of his property. Obierika also visits Okonkwo in his motherland
and shares the news regarding the arrival of white Europeans. In the end, Obierika mourns
Okonkwo's death and blames the white colonists for his demise.
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