Obituary: Okonkwo

Tamanna Moudgil 10B

Language and Literature

Ms. Jade Jagroo

Rationale:

For this written task, I have focused on the outlook of Obierika on Okonkwo’s life at his funeral. This obituary focuses on the immense respect Obierika has for his friend Okonkwo and his struggles throughout his lifetime. Achebe throughout the novel Things fall apart puts his readers into a conundrum regarding their perspective towards Okonkwo.  Though Obierika being Okonkwo’s trusted friend tends to accentuate the positives amidst the tragedy, as an attempt to address Okonkwo’s story one last time. This obituary presented by Obierika doesn’t take place in the novel, it is rather a hypothetical situation created to insinuate sympathy amongst the readers to develop a newfound respect towards Okonkwo when he commits suicide. For the text type, I chose the format of an obituary, as I presented a eulogy. An obituary is the most suitable writing style as it is addressed at an individual’s funeral. The obituary is written in the first person, as Obierika is conveying his thoughts on his dear friend’s unexpected death with full conviction and compassion. Being a highly dignified clansman and akin to Okonkwo, Obierika is the most convincing person to give an affirmative account of Okonkwo’s life. The audience listening to the obituary is the people who are present at Okonkwo’s funeral. While the general audience for the text would be the readers who are interested in knowing about the identities and relationships between Okonkwo and the Ibo people.

(236 words)

Obierika’s Final Tribute for Okonkwo

Umuofia- Okonkwo, 56, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 18th, 1854.

Born to the disgraced Unoka, Okonkwo was nothing like his father. He was a hardworking and respected clansman. He worked day in and day out, for a prosperous harvest of yams. His popularity incremented when he had defeated the unbeatable ‘Amalinze’ in a wrestling match that made him the town hero.

Okonkwo is survived by his three wives and his children, Nwoye; his son, Ezinma, Obiageli, and Nkechi; his daughters.

However, the early years of his life were very tumultuous. He didn’t have a start in life like others. Okonkwo’s hatred for his father inclined him towards working even more harder. All his life, he had the sole responsibility of creating a completely new reputation for himself. At the age of 18 he had sown his first harvest of yams. That very year, the rain was scarce and the land was dry. Many harvests failed, but Okonkwo managed to survive. Vowing to survive anything that came his way.

Year after year, Okonkwo grew even more prosperous. His seniority and authority made him one of the six masked egwugwu. The clan was so fond of Okonkwo that they had entrusted him with the responsibility of the sacrificed Ikemefuna.

No doubt Okonkwo loved all his children. His method might have been harsh, but nonetheless he yearned for them. He grew extremely fond of his adopted son; Ikemefuna. He appreciated his hardworking and focused nature. His love for his daughter Ezinma was inexplicable.

However, there had been many ups and downs in Okonkwo’s life. His fear of failure and weakness forced him to do things he never intended to. His most unfortunate mistake was when he had killed Ikemefuna. The clan had ordered for Ikemefuna’s death. Okonkwo was afraid to be tagged as feminine and coward, like his father.  There was time when he couldn’t control his annoyance, and he would blast at his wives. It was his image he was trying to protect. His reputation didn’t let him emote.