of view because of western influence. Therefore, the writer provides discussion on other characters’ perceptions about marrying an osu. The other characters are
Obi’s lover, Obi’s friends, and Obi’s parents. This discussion aims to know other characters’ perceptions about marrying an osu. In addition, this discussion leads a
further discussion on how western culture influences the major conflict of Obi Okonkwo.
a. Perceptions of Clara
Clara knows exactly her status that she is an osu or an outcast. As an osu, Clara is aware of her condition. She considers that she cannot marry a freeborn
like Obi. She knows that Obi’s parents and society will not approve of their marriage. This fact makes Clara have an idea to tell Obi that she cannot marry
him. “I can’t marry you,“ she said suddenly as Obi tried to kiss her under the tall frangipani tree at the edge of the swimming pool, and exploded into tears. 80
Clara explains her understanding to Obi that an osu cannot marry a freeborn. Therefore, she decides not to marry Obi. According to Clara, there is no
other way for them so she thinks it is the best way for them not to get married. Clara knows that the society will oppose them because she is an osu.
“I am an osu,” she wept. Silence. She stopped weeping and quietly
disengaged herself from him. Still he said nothing. “So you see we cannot get married,” she said, quite firmly, almost gaily –
a terrible kind of gaiety. Only tears showed she had wept. 81
The rule of Ibo tradition says that if an outcast will marry a freeborn and the society knows their plan, the society will cancel their marriage. Therefore,
Clara uses this reason to break off the engagement. It is so because she knows the fact that society will be happy if they break off their engagement.
Clara said she was very sorry to let him down at this eleventh hour. But she was sure it would be in everybody’s best interest if they broke off their
engagement. Obi was deeply stung, but he said nothing for a long time. Afterwards Clara repeated that she was very sorry. There was another long
silence. 141
Clara’s understanding about the rule of Ibo society makes her have an idea that if Obi marries her, she will ruin Obi’s life. She knows that she will make
Obi’s family ashamed and make Obi get into trouble in the future. Clara begged him not to misunderstand her. She said she was taking her
present step because she did not want to ruin his life. “I have thought about the whole matter very carefully. There are two reasons why we should not
get married.” “What are they?”
“Well, the first reason is that your family will be against it. I don’t want to come between you and your family.”
“Bunk Anyway, what is the second reason?” She could not remember what it was. It didn’t matter, anyway. The first reason was quite enough.
141-142 Clara is pretty sure that it will be difficult for them to get married because
of the rule of the society. In Clara’s opinion, Obi’s struggle to marry her is useless and it will just make them have more difficulties. “You are making things difficult
for yourself. How many times did I tell you that we were deceiving ourselves? But I was always told I was being childish. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. There is no
need for long talk 162. Igwe’s and Agbasiere’s statements on Igbo caste system and Igbo
marriage tradition shows that Clara still holds on to her Igbo tradition. Therefore, she tells Obi that she cannot marry Obi because she is an osu.
b. Perceptions of Obi’s Friends
