No, of course not. Obierika is acknowledging the thanks in a manner designed to get Okonkwo to stop thanking him.
No, Obierika is not serious. He is using hyperbole to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and to express his disappointment in Okonkwo's actions. It is a cultural way of conveying the gravity of the situation without actually meaning it literally.
Obierika suggested that Okonkwo should let him take care of the crops until Okonkwo could repay him. He also proposed that Okonkwo should leave his son Nwoye with him as a pledge to ensure Okonkwo's return.
Okonkwo and Obierika have many arguments, the most notable being:Whether Okonkwo should have participated in Ikemefuna's death ritual.Whether a great warrior could still be even if his wife had his ear.
During the second year of exile, Okonkwo's friend Obierika came to visit him. Obierika came to inform Okonkwo about the destruction of their village, Abame, by a white man's messenger. He also brought news about the hardships faced by the clan due to the presence of missionaries in their land.
Okonkwo, personally, though I found Obierika could have been more developed. However, then Obierika probably would not have been able to fulfill his role as the foil.
Obierika was deeply troubled by the story Okonkwo told him about Nwoye converting to Christianity. He questioned the new religion and expressed concern about the impact it could have on their clan and traditions. Obierika saw how this would lead to division among their people and the loss of their culture.
Okonkwo justified his part in Ikemefuna's death by telling himself that he needed to appear strong and not be seen as weak or feminine. He believed that showing any form of sentimentality or weakness would be a sign of weakness and would undermine his reputation as a powerful and respected leader in the community. This internal conflict reflects Okonkwo's deep-seated fear of failure and his desire to uphold traditional masculine values in his society.
Obierika does not understand why someone should be punished for an accidental crime. He further does not understand why twins should be mutilated and thrown away. However, he believes that if one finger brought oil, it soiled the others. For example, if Okonkwo, was not punished for this accident, it might encourage other more malicious people to commit crimes and exclaim that it was an accident. He could not ignore the laws of the gods when it did not suit him, and then expect everyone else to obey the laws of the gods and Igbo society.
Obierika tells Okonkwo that the Ibo could not regain control over Abame because the white men had a powerful "medicine" called the Maxim gun, which had the ability to kill multiple people at once from a great distance. This made it virtually impossible for the Ibo to defeat the white men in battle.
Ekwefi and Okonkwo fall in love after a wrestling match in which Okonkwo demonstrates his strength and courage. Ekwefi is impressed by Okonkwo's prowess and determination, and they begin a courtship that leads to marriage.
Okonkwo breaks the Week of Peace because of his anger and loss of control when Ojiugo fails to cook dinner for him and her children. Okonkwo hangs himself in despair after his village fails to commit to fighting the colonists. His explicit motivations are not expounded upon.
Unlikely. It would be considered a domestic murder, and probably would be considered in local courts.