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Okonkwo becomes a father to Ikemefuna, and Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo father. Ikemefuna is like the second man in the house, the closest to Okonkwo's personality, and helps to develop Nwoye's manhood. Okonkwo likes Ikemefuna, but does not show his feelings towards Ikemefuna because to do so would be unmanly.
Nwoye denies that Okonkwo is his father after Ikemefuna's death, as he is deeply affected by the event and begins to question his relationship with his father. This moment marks the beginning of Nwoye's alienation from Okonkwo and his traditional beliefs.
"Okonkwo was a man." "Did you see that man, Okonkwo?" "You are my son. Okonkwo, I am your father!"
Achebe presents Okonkwo's view of his father to highlight the conflict between tradition and change. While Okonkwo's negative opinion of his father is depicted, the novel also shows the complexities and limitations of Okonkwo's perspective. Achebe encourages readers to consider the broader cultural and historical context that shapes Okonkwo's beliefs.
Okonkwo is ashamed of his father Unoka. He feels his father is weak, effeminate, and made fun of by other members of the tribe. Okonkwo feels a man should be strong like a warrior, but his father is shy of blood. Okonkwo feels a man should be hard working and provide for his family, but Unoka is lazy, and a very poor farmer. Okonkwo ends up inheriting nothing from his father.
Ikemefuna called Okonkwo father. It would be unnatural for a father to kill his son. The boy was also affectionate towards Okonkwo, and it would be like a betrayal.
Okonkwo treats himself as superior to both, and he has to economically support both. His father is effeminate by the standards of the clan, and Okonkwo is grated by his father's love of talking.
Ikemefuna acts as a buffer by forming a close bond with Nwoye, providing him with a positive male role model and a source of emotional support that Okonkwo is unable to provide. This relationship gives Nwoye a sense of acceptance and love that he doesn't receive from his own father, helping to soften the harshness of Okonkwo's parenting and preventing their relationship from deteriorating further.
Ikemefuna is the boy that is sent to live with Okonkwo. Eventually the boy becomes much like Okonkwo's own son, and Ikemefuna even calls Okonkwo father.
If that were to happen to me, i would try to be around him more, and think of the things he would want to do. then i would invite the family, including him and see if he comes. if he does,then be nice about everything. if it is fishing, and he cooks the fish, offer to cook the fish for him this time! try it!
Because Okonkwo treated him like a son and Ikemefuna thought of him as a father.
Okonkwo's father, Unoka, was seen as weak, unambitious, and unsuccessful in his community. Okonkwo was determined not to be like his father and worked hard to build his own reputation. However, his fear of being associated with his father's perceived failures led him to overcompensate with excessive harshness and a relentless pursuit of success, ultimately leading to his downfall.