What did okonkwo tell himself about his part in Ikemefuma's death?

Answer 1

Okonkwo justified his part in Ikemefuna's death by telling himself that he needed to appear strong and not be seen as weak or feminine. He believed that showing any form of sentimentality or weakness would be a sign of weakness and would undermine his reputation as a powerful and respected leader in the community. This internal conflict reflects Okonkwo's deep-seated fear of failure and his desire to uphold traditional masculine values in his society.

Answer 2

Okonkwo justified his part in Ikemefuna's death by believing he had to show strength and not appear weak. He convinced himself that he was acting in the best interest of his family and his community by following the customs and expectations of the tribe.

Answer 3

Though this is partially an opinion question, Okonkwo was warned by an old man from his village not to participate in killing Ikemefuna. One could say that this was the cause of all Okonkwo's misfortunes afterwards.

Answer 4

Okonkwo felt like Ikemefuna was an eldest son who would truly follow in his footsteps. Ikemefuna was a good influence on Nwoye and Okonkwo's other sons, showing them how they too could be men. Ikemefuna made Okonkwo's prowess seem much more attainable to Okonkwo's sons. Okonkwo let Ikemefuna carry his items to village meetings, much like an eldest son would do.

Answer 5

Obierika tells Okonkwo that if the Oracle had declared his son should die, he would not neither protest nor take a hand in the death.

Obierika implicitly criticizes Okonkwo's role in the slaying of Ikemefuna, but he does not say so directly.

Answer 6

The event that immediately led to Okonkwo's death, was the killing of the messenger sent by the colonists, and the escape of the other messengers. Okonkwo knew that word would be brought back to the Europeans, and that they would imprison then kill him as an example. Further, he knew that the villagers would not fight back. Rather than submit to their will, Okonkwo decided to kill himself.

Answer 7

Okonkwo was told that Ikemefuna must die by the Oracle, through the elders. As such, there was no tribal punishment for Okonkwo. However, Okonkwo was emotionally punished for his decision. It might also be said that his punishment for killing Ikemefuna was to kill Ekeudu's son accidentally.

Answer 8

He tells himself that he has killed 5 men, and killing a boy should not make himself a woman.

He convinces himself that it was the right thing to do, the manly thing to do.

Answer 9

Ezeudu provides no evidence. Okonkwo was there at Ikemfuna's death.

Answer 10

Okonkwo had treated Ikemefuna as his son, and Ikemefuna had treated him as his father. Further, he was warned against raising a hand in Ikemefuna's death by Ekeudu.