Okonkwo struck the last blow to Ikemefuna because he did not want to seem weak or cowardly, even though Okonkwo likes Ikemefuna, and thinks of him as his adopted son.
Okonkwo struck the last blow to Ikemefuna because he did not want to seem weak or cowardly, even though Okonkwo likes Ikemefuna, and thinks of him as his adopted son.
Ikemefuna, a character in Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," was struck the last blow by Okonkwo, his adoptive father. Despite having grown fond of Ikemefuna, Okonkwo killed him to avoid appearing weak and to adhere to the tribal customs that demanded his death as a sacrifice. This act ultimately symbolizes the conflict between personal affection and societal obligations, highlighting Okonkwo's tragic adherence to rigid masculine ideals.
Okonkwo is part of the group which leads Ikemefuna out of the village to be killed. After Ikemefuna receives the first blow and runs towards Okonkwo for protection, Okonkwo strikes Ikemefuna down, not wanting to be seen as weak.
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.
Ikemefuna is taken into Okonkwo's home as part of the compensation for a murder committed by the neighboring village. He lives with Okonkwo's family and forms a close bond with Okonkwo's son, Nwoye. However, tragically, Okonkwo ultimately participates in Ikemefuna's killing to demonstrate his masculinity and avoid appearing weak.
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.
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.
Ikemefuna came from Mbaino.
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.
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.
The Oracle of Agbala pronounced that Ikemefuna must die.
Okonkwo demonstrates his fondness for Ikemefuna by treating him as one of his own sons, providing for him, and showing him fatherly care and guidance. Despite his outward harshness and stoicism, he becomes emotionally attached to Ikemefuna, as he sees qualities in him that he appreciates and respects.