Okonkwo struck the last blow because he was afraid of appearing weak in front of his fellow clansmen. His fear likely arose from a deep-seated insecurity about being compared to his father, who was known for being weak and unsuccessful. By delivering the final blow, Okonkwo was trying to prove his masculinity and strength to avoid being associated with his father's legacy.
Probably all the drink. They probably knew that if they tried to hit the grendel it could strike a fatal blow on the wrong side.
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.
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.
To strike with a firm blow
A strike or blow to the mid section of the body.
A by-blow is a blow to the side, such as in swordplay, or any form of secondary or incidental strike. It can also refer to an illegitimate child, especially that of an unknown father.
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.
Fatal = resulting in deathBlow = a strike or hit
An atteint is another word for an attaint, a strike or blow, especially in jousting.
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.
blow, strike, punch, bang, smash, stroke, shot