After Ikemefuna's death, Okonkwo struggles with grief, unable to eat or sleep for two days. He visits his friend Obierika to distract himself, but thoughts of Ikemefuna persist. Okonkwo praises Obierika's son for his wrestling victory, contrasting him with his own son, whom he views as weak like his father Unoka. Obierika criticizes Okonkwo's role in Ikemefuna's death, warning of the Earth's revenge. Their conversation is interrupted by news of a neighboring village elder's death and the complexities of mourning. They lament the decline of traditional values, finding solace in discussing marriage customs and ridiculing neighboring villages. The evening is spent eating, drinking, and mocking outsiders, including "white men."