Things Fall Apart

in what way is it ironic that Obierka abd the other clan members will not touch Okonkwo's body?

how come they dont touch his body and how is it ironic

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

Obierika explains that suicide is a grave sin and his clansmen may not touch Okonkwo’s body. Though they have sent for strangers from a distant village to help take the body down, they also ask the commissioner for help. He asks why they cannot do it themselves, and they explain that his body is evil now and that only strangers may touch it. They are not allowed to bury it, but again, strangers can. Obierika displays an uncharacteristic flash of temper and lashes out at the commissioner, blaming him for Okonkwo’s death and praising his friend’s greatness. The commissioner decides to honor the group’s request, but he leaves and orders his messengers to do the work. As he departs, he congratulates himself for having added to his store of knowledge of African customs.

Source(s)

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/things/section10.rhtml