What is the relationship between Okonkwo and Ikemefuna in Things Fall Apart?

Answer 1

Ikemefuna is a boy who is taken as part of compensation for another village's tribesmen killing a woman of Umuofia in their market. Ikemefuna is taken care of by Okonkwo, and quickly becomes like a son to Okonkwo; Ikemefuna even calls Okonkwo father. Ikemefuna behaves like an ideal clansman, and becomes close to Nwoye, mentoring him as an older brother.

Eventually, Umuofia's elders consult with the oracle whom declares that Ikemefuna must die. Ikemefuna is led off outside the village and is struck with a machete. He speaks his last words, saying "Father, they have killed me!" prompting Okonkwo to deliver the killing blow.

Answer 2

Okonkwo becomes fond of Ikemefuna, who is given to him as part of a peace settlement with a neighboring village. Despite this, Okonkwo eventually participates in Ikemefuna's death to prove his own masculinity and avoid appearing weak. This event contributes to Okonkwo's downfall and inner turmoil throughout the story.

Answer 3

I believe Ikemefuna serves as a martyr for the traditions of the clan. He is killed due to prophecy from the village goddess. The clan would never have done anything to him without her saying so. He is basically a symbol for custom and tradition.

Answer 4

Okonkwo treasures Ikemefuna dearly. Ikemefuna calls Okonkwo his "father". He definitely treated Okonkwo with deep respect despite the fact that he was not of the same blood. Ikemefuna spends most of his years with Okonkwo and has never spent much time with his own father.

Answer 5

Ikemefuna is 14 when he first arrives in Umuofia. He is 17 when he leaves.

When Ikemefuna arrives, Nwoye was 12 years old. It is later said that Nwoye is 2 years younger than Ikemefuna. It is also said several times that Ikemefuna stayed in Umuofia for 3 years.

Answer 6

Obiageli is Okonkwo's daughter in Things Fall Apart, likely the second eldest daughter after Ezinma. She is responsible for bringing food from Okonkwo's first wife to Okonkwo. She is notable in that she breaks her clay pot through foolishness, but then lies about the circumstances to her mother and father.

Although we are initially led to believe she is the first wife's daughter, it is much later revealed that Obiageli is actually Ojiugo's daughter, Okonkwo's third wife. Another possibility is that both Ojiugo is also the name of Okonkwo's first wife, or that both his first and third wife have daughter named Obiageli. It could also just be an accidental miswriting by Achebe.

Answer 7

Ikemefuna is first afraid because he is being taken from his family by a stranger from another village along with a virgin girl to Umuofia. He has no idea what is going on or what will happen to him. He can not understand what he has done to deserve this, as he has no idea that his father was responsible for killing a daughter of Umuofia. He has never been this far away from home, and it is a long, long way.

Later, Ikemefuna is afraid that his mother may have died since he was taken from her 3 years ago. Also, he is afraid of what is going to happen to him, as he picks up clues that all is not well, and that people are not telling the truth.

Finally Ikemefuna is afraid as the first machete blow comes down upon him.

Answer 8

Ikemefuna played the role of an innocent victim of the clan's rules. His death leads to the accident which causes the exile, and the disintegration of Nwoye and Okonkwo's relationship.