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.
father and son
Nwoye and Ikemefuna treat each other like brothers. Nwoye looks up to Ikemefuna, who serves as a positive influence in his life. They form a close bond during Ikemefuna's time in Okonkwo's household.
Although Ikemefuna is from a different family, Nwoye treats Ikemefuna as an older brother to look up to and mimic. Ikemefuna is the older brother that Nwoye never had.
Okonkwo treats Ikemefuna almost as if he were his eldest son. He wishes that Nwoye would become like Ikemefuna, even though Nwoye is his true eldest son.
Okonkwo treats Ikemefuna almost as if he were his eldest son. He wishes that Nwoye would become like Ikemefuna, even though Nwoye is his true eldest son.
It is ironic that Ikemefuna, who was taken in by Okonkwo's family and formed a close bond with him, ends up fearing Okonkwo the most. This shows the complex dynamics and contradictions within their relationship, as well as the unpredictable nature of human emotions.
The simile used to describe ikemefuna's growth spurt was "like a yam tendril in the rainy season."
Because Okonkwo treated him like a son and Ikemefuna thought of him as a father.
There was a large build up and foreshadowing to it. For Ikemefuna himself, it was not entirely unexpected, but the moment at which it would happen was unknown.
Ikemefuna is led by the tribe on a long march outside of its lands. One tribeman cuts him with a machete. As Ikemefuna runs to Okonkwo for safety, Okonkwo chops Ikemefuna down with his machete.
Ikemefuna came from Mbaino.
Ikemefuna is first taken from his family in Mbaino as part of compensation for another village's tribesmen killing a woman of Umuofia in their market. He 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.