This quote is often used by physicists and other scientists, and it holds true in various aspects. In literature, a character that contrasts and enhances another character is called a “foil.” When two characters serve as foils to each other, they have opposing views and personalities, but their presence together highlights their qualities. Chinua Achebe’s fictional novel Things Fall Apart features Okonkwo as the main character.
In the novel, Okonkwo possesses several distinctive traits that contrast with his foil, Obierika, which ultimately accentuates his own characteristics. Obierika’s calm, easy-going, and composed nature sharply contrasts with Okonkwo’s strong-minded, dogmatic, and hot-tempered personality in Things Fall Apart. Furthermore, Obierika’s ability to remain relaxed and not easily frustrated serves as a clear foil to Okonkwo. Even when faced with unfavorable circumstances, Obierika patiently awaits the natural course of events.
When the Oracle called for the killing of Ikemefuna, Obierika chose to stay behind and not be involved. When Okonkwo questioned why Obierika did not participate in the killing, he cleverly responded, “Because I had something better to do…Why should I? But the Oracle did not request my involvement.” These quotes illustrate Obierika’s reluctance to interfere in a matter that he did not feel was his responsibility (Achebe 66).
Obierika serves as a contrasting character to Okonkwo in terms of their attitudes towards power and dominance. Unlike Okonkwo, who is obsessed with being powerful and mighty, Obierika is easy-going and calm. In the village, Obierika’s son, Maduka, is a formidable wrestler. Okonkwo holds great admiration for Maduka and believes he will achieve great things. However, when Okonkwo expresses his desire to have a son like Obierika’s due to his strength and mightiness, Obierika responds in a soothing manner, stating that there is no need to worry as their children are still young (Achebe 66).
This passage highlights Obierika’s lack of concern for power and supremacy. In contrast, Okonkwo possesses traits of strong-mindedness, dogmatism, and hot-temperament. If things do not go his way, Okonkwo tends to react impulsively. For instance, when he asks his second wife about the whereabouts of his third wife, Ojiugo, and discovers that his second wife lied to him, he becomes furious. Upon Ojiugo’s return, he beats her severely (Achebe 29).
Okonkwo beating his third wife during the Week of Peace was a display of extremely poor judgment. This specific week was designated as a time when the tribes were expected to refrain from violence. This incident highlights Okonkwo’s short temper and low tolerance compared to Obierika. Apart from contrasting personality traits, Obierika also serves as a foil to Okonkwo due to Okonkwo’s insatiable hunger for power. In fact, Okonkwo earned the reputation of being the most dominant figure in his village by defeating Amalinze the Cat, an undefeated and highly regarded wrestler.
Okonkwo, being the first to defeat him, held great power. He hoped that his son, Nwoye, would follow in his footsteps. However, Nwoye resembled his mother more and possessed qualities that made him seem more feminine than Okonkwo desired. Okonkwo expressed his concerns for Nwoye in the book, stating, “’I am worried about Nwoye. A bowl of pounded yams can throw him in a wrestling match. His two younger brothers show more promise. But I can tell you, Obierika, that my children do not take after me’” (Achebe 66). This passage portrays Okonkwo’s longing for a son like Maduka, who possesses exceptional strength, unlike Nwoye.
Okonkwo’s relentless pursuit of power and his desire for supremacy for himself and his family is evident. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Obierika serves as a striking contrast to Okonkwo in various ways. Unlike Okonkwo, Obierika is calm and reserved, displaying a level-headedness that Okonkwo lacks. Additionally, while Okonkwo is driven by his hunger for power, Obierika does not share this same ambition. Despite their stark differences, the novel depicts Obierika and Okonkwo as close friends, highlighting the concept that opposites often attract.
