Things Fall Apart Notes | Chapter 8

For two days after Ikemefuna died, Okonkwo did not eat. He was uneasy about killing the boy, but he tried to ignore his guilt because it wouldn't be manly to do otherwise.

"'When did you become a shivering old woman,' Okonkwo asked himself, 'you, who are known in all the nine villages for your valor in war? How can a man who has killed five men in battle fall to pieces because he has added a boy to their number? Okonkwo, you have become a woman indeed.'" Part 1: Chapter 8, Pg. 56

In an effort to divert his thoughts, Okonkwo went to visit his friend, Obierika. While they are talking, Okonkwo asks why Obierika did not go with the elders to kill Ikemefuna, and Obierika says that although he respected the Oracle's instruction to kill the boy, he did not want to take part in it. He points out that Okonkwo would have done well to stay out of it, too, because such an action as killing someone who considers you his father will displease the Earth. While they are arguing about it, a neighbor comes in to tell of the death of an elder in a neighboring village. He points out that the drums are not beating to spread the news because the old man's wife died on seeing him dead, and so they must bury her first and then spread the news of the elder's death.

Topic Tracking: Religion 7

Obierika asks Okonkwo to join him when his daughter's suitor and his family come over that night to pay the bride price for Obierika's daughter. That night Obierika and his future in-laws go through the ritualistic haggling with broom handles and then agree on a bride price for Obierika's daughter.