Hello students!
I hope you are all enjoying your
summer break. I appreciate the time you are putting into your reading and
responses. I am working on reading through all of your posts and
responding to each. Please take the time to read my comments. Also, feel free to
read and respond to any and all of the posts.
I am pleased to see that you are all
forming opinions based on the text. It can be difficult to relate to the story,
as the culture is quite different. Some of you might be struggling to
understand the historical context that contributes to Okonkwo's behavior.
Learning a bit about the author might help. Read this summary for further understanding. Many of you were able
to see two sides to Okonkwo. Great work! Keep this in mind as you continue
reading.
You should have completed chapters
1-10 by now. These chapters have given the reader a fairly full picture of what
life in the Umuofia clan is like for Okonkwo and his people. You have probably
developed opinions about both Okonkwo and his culture. Though Okonkwo has made
some poor decisions, Ikemefuna brings out a different side of him.
Here is your discussion prompt:
Ikemefuna's death is horrific.
Describe your thoughts while reading chapter 7. How does the Ibo culture play
into the boy's death and the reactions afterward?
Note: Please comment on the reactions
of both Okonkwo and the other characters.
You must respond to the entire
discussion prompt. Please use specifics from the text to support your answer.
Remember to include page numbers if you reference the text (which you should
all be doing).
~Mrs. K
Okonkwo is told about the plan of the oracle to kill Ikemefuna, and Ezeudu tells him he shouldn’t participate. He goes anyway and ends up killing Ikemefuna himself. When Okonkwo gets home Nwoye realizes that Ikemefuna is dead. He doesn’t cry but still mourns over Ikemefuna’s death because Ikemefuna had been a brother to him. Okonkwo also did not fend well. “Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna.”(48) All he drank was palm wine. He had killed his “son” that he had been so proud of. He had enjoyed watching Nwoye learn from Ikemefuna. He keeps on telling himself that he has killed many other men and it did not bother him. He tells himself to stop acting like a woman and to shape up and get back to normal. This is hard for him because there is nothing to do. Harvest is over and it is a time of rest. If it had happened during the harvest season he could have easily forgotten and gone to work. It helps when he visits his best friend Obierika. I think Okonkwo had a good reason to be upset because he had killed his favorite “son.” Nwoye also had the right to this suffering because he was Ikemefuna’s best friend.
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna has brought Okonkwo's family closer together in a couple of ways, using his loving nature and leadership. He has helped Nwoye become a hard worker and more of a mature man. Okonkwo sees the influence of Nwoye, and respects and admires Ikemefuna for the influence that he has been on Nwoye. Okonkwo also now has a much better relationship with Nwoye (because of his growing maturity) and Ikemefuna. Okonkwo may even love Ikemefuna as a son, but he will not admit it, for he doesn't want to seem weak. His growing love for Ikemefuna makes it even more difficult for Okonkwo to know that Ikemefuna will be killed soon. I believe, that if Ikemefuna's fate was in the hands of Okonkwo, Okonkwo would let him live, and have a prosperous and successful life. Although that would be his decision, that wish is not fulfilled (because Ezeudu had told him to not be involved), and Okonkwo ends up killing Ikemefuna. "Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (61)
ReplyDeleteI know that Okonkwo had regrets of obeying the Oracle and killing Ikemefuna, because he did not eat for two days, but just drank wine. He also did not sleep. Nwoye's reaction to the news was a little different. When he saw the stance of his father as he walked in, he knew that Ikemefuna was dead. He did not cry, he did not move. He just sat limply in his seat. He did not want to make his father mad by showing emotion... he was scared of his father. Ibo's decision has killed a little, innocent boy, destroyed a growing relationship between two boys and their father, and has added yet another name to Okonwo's list of people killed by his hand.
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ReplyDeleteAs was discussed in the previous prompt, the people in the Umuofia clan revered courage and abhorred weakness. Any weak man was considered worthless and vacuous. For this reason Okonkwo had to obey the oracle. He hated weakness because it reminded him of his disdained father.
ReplyDelete"Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak."(29%) Ikemefuna loved and revered Okonkwo and thought of him as a father. When the men turned on him he ran to the only patriarch he knew, Oknonkwo. However, to help the boy would surely be a sign of affection, which in turn would show defiance to the oracle. If Okonkwo reached out to this boy that needed him, he would be caving in to his emotions and would be considered pusillanimous. Okonkwo loved this boy. But he was scared that this love and devotion would corrupt him and make him appear clement and inept at being a leader. So Okonkwo put his endearment behind him and proved to himself and his associates that he was a stalwart man. He killed the child that loved him.
When Nwoye found out that his best friend and closest "brother" had been killed, he was appalled. "Something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." (29%) Nwoye had only ever felt this trepidation once before when he thought he had come across an evil spirit. "Then something had given way inside him. It descended on him again, this feeling, when his father walked in, that night after killing Ikemefuna." (29%) The egregious killing of his closest friend, haunted Nwoye. Just when they were learning from each other and working together, Ikemefuna was gone. He was killed. But what tormented Nwoye was perhaps not just Ikemefuna's death, but the fact that he was betrayed by his family. Who is there to trust if not your own family?
I was appalled by chapter seven. Not necessarily by the event itself but how the event took place. I understood that Ikemefuna had to die to atone his tribe for the murder of Udo's wife. I don't get why they had to tell him he was going home and give him the false hope of seeing his mother and sister again, while everyone else already knew he was off to die. "Later, Nwoye went to his mother's hut and told her that IKemefuna was going home. She immediately dropped her pestle with which she was grinding pepper, folded her arms across her breast and sighed, "poor child"(pg.58) I also was be-grumbled by the fact that Okonkwo killed him even after the elder asked him not to. He would rather kill a child that thought of him as father, than have anyone believe, or even think for a second that he was weak, or a coward, but in the end he was the one that was most affected by Ikemefunas death. "He did not sleep at night. He tried not to think about Ikemefuna, but the more he tried the more he thought about him. Once he got up from bed and walked about his compound. But he was so weak that his legs could hardly carry him. He felt like a drunken giant walking with limbs of a mosquito. Now and then a cold shiver descended on his head and spread sown his body."(pg. 62)
ReplyDeleteThe great Okonkwo could not eat for two days after Ikemefuna's death he couldn't sleep because of the guilt of killing Ikemefuna. Nwoye also felt a heavy loss because of Ikemefuna's death"Nwoye overheard it and burst into tears, whereupon his father beat him heavily"(pg. 57) The most horrific part of this whole book, thus far, is when Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna"As the man who had cleared his throat drew up and raised his machete, Okonkwo looked away. He heard the blow. The pot fell and broke in the sand. He heard Ikemefuna cry, " My father, they have killed me!" as he ran towards him. Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (pg.61)
When the author first told of Ikemefuna’s murder that would soon happen I was shocked. Not only had he been a great help to Okonkwo but he was also like an adopted son to him. Okonkwo reflected these feelings and even though he didn’t show it, he loved Ikemefuna. “Yes, Umuofia has decided to kill him. The Oracle of the hills and the caves has pronounced it.” Ezeudu told Okonkwo (pg.57). In their culture they are very loyal to their Oracles. Because they are all so loyal to these oracles they do whatever they are told. In the same conversation Ezeudu tells Okonkwo not to “bear a hand in his (Ikemefuna) death” (pg.57). Okonkwo can not simply sit by and let everyone call him weak because his wasn’t willing to go with the others to kill Ikemefuna, so he ignores Ezeudu’s counsel. Okonkwo gets back and is worse off than if he hadn’t gone with the others. He is unable to sleep or eat and was very weak (pg63). He saw himself as he never wanted to, he saw himself weak like his father. Okonkwo’s son was also affected by Ikemefuna’s death, his son Nwoye was also. Nwoye not only lost his “brother” he also became very frightened of his father (pg63). Others were sad about Ikemefuna’s death but in my opinion Okonkwo suffered the most, not only his own guilt but also the realization that his son hated him for what he did.
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ReplyDelete'For three years Ikemefuna lived in Okonkwo's household and the elders of Umuofia seemed to have forgotten about him.' (Location 574) This statement tells us of Ikemefuna's role in Okonkwo's family and in the Umuofia village. He ended up being like another son to Okonkwo. Okonkwo appreciated Ikemefuna's influence on Nwoye. Nwoye thought of Ikemefuna as an older brother and really admired him.
ReplyDeleteIt bothered me that they would lie to Ikemefuna by telling him that he was going home. Yes, Ikemefuna was a sort of sacrifice from his village but, why would they wait for so long to kill him? It feels like a demonstration of how powerful the elders are and that may be what the author wanted to portray but in a way it kinda makes me sick.
Okonkwo felt the same way, I think. He couldn't eat or sleep so he was left to his thoughts which kept wandering to Ikemefuna. It was like he was sick with guilt and sorrow. Ikemefuna was like a son he never had and that son was taken away from him, I couldn't blame him for his sadness.
Ikemefuna 'had become wholly absorbed into his new family.' (52) This sentence describes the relationship he had with Okonkwo and his family. I think it also makes his death more emotional. The elders lied to him by saying he was going home. What makes matters worse is that Okonkwo knew he was going to be killed and didn't tell him. This made it so Okonkwo was unable to eat or sleep. If I were in a similar situation, I would be sorrowful as well.
ReplyDeleteThe first thought that went through my mind is why didn't Okonkwo try to talk them out of killing Ikemefuma? I would've at least tried to talked the people out of it. I missed this part the first time I read this on location 672 it says, "Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him
ReplyDeletedown. He was afraid of being thought weak." Why would he strike down Ikemfuma?
DeleteI was expecting the killing of Ikemefuna but I don't understand why they decided to wait three years to do it. This allowed for Nwoye and the rest of Okonkwo's family to bond and for him to become part of the family. The people of Umuofia act like killing Ikemefuna is not a problem and they give him false hope of seeing his mother and sister again. Okonkwo is very prideful. It says, "Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (pg.61) Ikemefuna had done so much for Okonkwo. He helped him and made him proud of Nwoye. He loved the presence of Ikemefuna but killed him. That in itself makes him weak too me. After he kills him he makes himself sick and unhappy. I like how the others have much compassion for the boy. Nwoye cries and his mother says he is a "Poor child." (pg.58) I like this because it shows they loved and respected Ikemefuna.
ReplyDelete"Okonkwo was inwardly pleased at his son's development, and he knew it was due to Ikemefuna" (52) Okonkwo favored Ikemefuna over his other sons. He even thought as Ikemefuna as his own son. Ikemefuna had even started calling Okonkwo his father. Ikemefuna "had never been fond of his real father, and at the end of three years he had become very distant indeed." (59) When Ogbuefi Ezeudu came and told Okonkwo that Ikemefuna was to be killed he was very surprised and stricken with the message. He told Okonkwo that he did not want him to have a hand in his "son's" death because Ikemefuna called him father. Okonkwo told Ikemefuna that he was going to be taken to go back to his home. "Nwoye overheard it and burst into tears, whereupon his father beat him heavily." (57) Ikemefuna was Nwoye's best friend, and they had grown so close together in three years.
ReplyDeleteWhen the Oracle came to get Ikemefuna, He really believed that they were taking him home. He thought of his family. He thought about his mother and sister and wondered if they were well. He was very excited to go home yet very solemn to leave his home with Nwoye and Okonkwo which he admired and loved. They walked a long ways before they stopped to kill Ikemefuna. When they stopped a man from the Oracle struck and broke the pot full of palm-wine that was on his head with his machete and then Ikemefuna cried, "My father, they have killed me!" (61) Okonkwo afraid of being thought of as "weak" went and "drew his machete and cut him down." (61) Okonkwo killed a boy he thought of his son because he feared showing weakness like his father.
"As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed." (61) Nwoye did not cry but he was very sorrowful and mourned in his own way. Okonkwo mourned also. He did not eat food for two days and he only drank palm-wine. He could not get Ikemefuna off of his mind. He called himself a women because he mourned for Ikemefuna and he had killed a large amount of other men and had not mourned heavily for killing them. The first wife, who took care of Ikemefuna, somehow knew that taking the boy home was just a lie. The death heavily impacted Okonkwo and Nwoye.
I do not think that it was right that they lied to Ikemefuna. He was preparing to go home to his mother and sister. He had no idea what was to come upon him. Okonkwo should not have killed the boy. The boy trusted him and thought of him as his father. Okonkwo must have felt very guilty and must have regretted killing Ikemefuna. Nwoye had become closer to his father through Ikemefuna. Now Nwoye hated his father for killing him and feared his father even more. In my opinion Ikemefuna's death was very tragic, and it effected Okonkwo and Nwoye's lives forever.
I’m perplexed by the choice the author made to kill Ikemefuna. I don’t understand how this will play into the plot of the book. The way they killed Ikemefuna was very cruel; the death itself was harsh and rather irrational, but what was extremely malevolent was the fact that the elders misled him into thinking that he was going home. However, the most tragic and astonishing part is that Okonkwo, even when advised not to, was the one to truly end Ikemefuna’s life.
ReplyDelete“My Father, they have killed me!” (61). This exclamation made by Ikemefuna emphasizes the point that he not only thought of Okonkwo as a leader and guardian, but in all truth loved him as his own father. He felt strongly that they were family, and Okonkwo’s emotions were likewise. “He could hardly imagine Okonkwo was not his real father” (59).
Nonetheless, Okonkwo’s action, when put into perspective with his values and morals, actually made sense. His whole life is based off of the desire to be the opposite of his weak and lowly father. When faced with the decision of what to do when Ikemefuna ran toward him, Okonkwo felt that his reputation, which he had worked so hard to build, was on the line. Was he to save the young man he’d raised for three years, or protect what had taken him many more years to develop?
Even so, Okonkwo and his family all felt the repercussions of Ikemefuna’s death. Okonkwo did not eat for two days, and would not sleep at night. Ikemefuna haunted his dreams and thoughts, and it hurt his mental, emotional, and physical health. Nwoye’s reaction was not as evident as his father’s. Still, he was heavily affected by the death of his closest friend and elder brother. He did not seem to show much outward emotion, but “something seemed to give way inside him” (61). Ikemefuna’s demise even had an impact on the women of the household. Nwoye’s mother didn’t actually show signs of mourning, but when Nwoye let her know that Ikemefuna was leaving, she comforted him. For the people of Umuofia, that is a considerably large gesture of sentiment, especially between mother and son.
While Ikemefuna’s passing was very grievous for Okonkwo’s family, it was an event that showed the sincere sides of these people.
After reading chapter 7 I realized how unbeneficial Ikemefuna's death was. One question I had was, "what were the elders motives to kill Ikemefuna?" Ikemefuna lived with Okonkwo's family for three years. The elders must have known that Okonkwo and his family will have gotten attached to Ikemefuna. I am also a little disturbed that the elders deceived Ikemefuna in such a way that he believed he was going home. I am even more disgusted that Okonkwo decided to "tag along" to his "sons" killing. After all, Ezeudu did tell Okonkwo to not go because Ikemefuna called him father. I believe it came down to Okonkwo's goal to be the opposite of his father. Okonkwo did not want to be a coward and that's why he went. It said in the book Okonkwo killed him because be didn't want to be thought of as weak. But then I thought well if he didn't want to be weak he shouldn't have gone and also have been the one to kill Ikemefuna. I really enjoyed the part in chapter eight when Obierika told Okonkwo that his actions will to have had pleased the earth and that if the oracle would have asked him to kill his son he would neither have disputed it nor be the one to do it. After the killing everybody's reactions were reasonable. Okonkwo was depressed and didn't eat for a couple of days. Nwoye was so afraid of his father he slipped out of his obi as soon as he could. Overall, the killing of Ikemefuna was very pointless and tedious of the author for putting it in the book.
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna was thoroughly accepted into Okonkwo's household. Okonkwo grew to love him as a son, and Nwoye loved him as an older brother. In turn, Ikemefuna thought of Okonkwo as his true father, and tended to Nwoye as an older brother would. He helped Nwoye mature, and taught him to think and work like a man. This won Okonkwo's affections for the both of them. When the news came that Ikemefuna was leaving, the entire household mourned because it was like losing a family member.
ReplyDeleteThe dread of Ikemefuna's death reinforced Okonkwo's fear of weakness. Ogbuefi Ezuedu told Okonkwo not to have any part in Ikemefuna's death, but Okonkwo, fearing his reputation was on the line, decided against this counsel. As a result, when Ikemefuna was struck down, he "...drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak" (61).
Ikemefuna's death tore Okonkwo apart physically, mentally, and emotionally. He did not eat or sleep for two days. He tried to distract himself, but to no avail.
In terms of reading, Ikemefuna's death shows a glimpse into the culture and true loyalty to Oracle. The people of Umuofia believed in the Oracle deeply, and obeyed whatever they must, even if it was painful for them. They believed it would be more painful to disobey the Oracle.
While I was reading chapter 7, I thought that what Okonkwo did was horrible. Ikemefuna called him father, and yet, Okonkwo killed him. He was afraid of hurting his own reputation, rather than killing a boy that was like a son. "He was afraid of being thought weak." (pg. 44) In their culture, or the Ibo culture, played in Ikemefuna's death by the Oracle's decision to kill him. The reactions afterward were sorrowful. Nwoye was deeply hurt. "It was after such a day at the farm during the last harvest that Nwoye had felt for the first time a snapping inside him like the one he now felt." (pg. 45) Okonkwo was sad as well. He just didn't realize it. He felt awful, and would not eat. That caused him to become to weak to even get out of bed. Ikemefuna was startled, and looked for help from Okonkwo. "He heard Ikemefuna's cry , 'My father, they have killed me!' as he ran towards him." (pg. 44)Ikemefuna's death took it's toll on all those close to him.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo loved his adoptive son Ikemefuna. After years of having him as a son, the Oracle decided Ikemefuna needed to be slain. When Okonkwo was informed of this decision he knew he could not fight against it and did not want to look weak. “Umuafia has decided to kill him. The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves has pronounced it. They will take him outside Umuofia, as is the custom, and kill him there. But I want you to have nothing to do with it. He calls you father.” (57) Okonkwo did not want to look weak so he went with them to kill his son Ikemefuna. They told Ikemefuna that he was going home so as not to worry him. When they killed Ikemefuna he ran to Okonkwo saying, “My father they have killed me!” (61) “Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak.” (61) When Okonkwo returned home his son Nwoye was distraught. Okonkwo was upset also but would only show it by refusing to eat. Ikemefuna’s death was tragic for Okonkwo’s whole family.
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna had been living with them for three years. He called Okonkwo father and was like an older brother to Nwoye. I was surprised when he was put to death and hoped that it wouldn’t actually happen, but the people of the Ibo culture don’t go against the Oracle. The Oracle said he had to die and he did. What shocked me the most was that Okonkwo was the one to actually kill him. It made sad that Okonkwo struck Ikemefuna down even though Ikemefuna had been running to him for safety. In his mind Okonkwo was doing because “he was afraid of being thought weak” (61). This set of mind goes back to how his father was weak and did not work. His hatred toward his father drove him to kill Ikemefuna, who was practically his son. After Okonkwo got back though, he showed signs of sorrow. The book says, “Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna” (63). He drank palm wine from morning till night. Nwoye was the one who grieved the most. He described his feeling of loss as “the snapping of a tightened bow” (61). He said he had only felt this feeling when he heard the cry of baby twins that had been put in the forest to die. After hearing their cry he said, “Then something had given way inside him. It descended on him again, this feeling, when his father walked in, that night after killing Ikemefuna” (62).
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ReplyDeleteWhat Okonkwo did to Ikemefuna was down right horrible! Ikemefuna was very well accepted in him family. He even called Okonkwo "dad" He trusted his father. I think he even loved him as his own son. However because of their cultural that had a role in his sons death, oracle decided to kill him. Okonkwo was too afraid of what people would say and think about him. He was too afraid of people thinking he was weak. so he obeyed and did what he was told. After he had killed him, he was so sad for what he had done. He had a very hard time recovering! "Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna."(63) He wasn't the only one that had a hard time dealing with his death. Nwoye also was very sad. He was very scared of his father! Ikemefuna's death was very sad and horrific. I think The Ibo culture is very pointless and doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read that Ikemefuna had to die because the decisions made upon The Oracle of the Hills and the Caves it rather shocked me. Once Okonkwo had been told by Ezeudu " That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in his death." (pg. 57) The fact that he went with the other men to be apart of his death, showed me that Okonkwo is very selfish. He would rather keep his reputation than stand up for the people he cares for. He is to afraid of what people think to possibly show affection. I felt terribly sorry for Ikemefuna when he yelled " My father, they have killed me!" (pg. 61) because he hadn't realized that the stab was from Okonkwo. It disappointed me also because Ikemefuna trusted Okonkwo, but instead he betrayed him. The couldn't imagine the hurt Nwoye felt when he figured out that the one person he idolizes is dead. To my surprise even Okonkwo had guilt for Ikemefuna's death. "He did not sleep at night. He tried not to think about Ikemefuna, but the more he tried the more he thought about him. Once he got up from bed and walked about his compound. But he was so weak that his legs could hardly carry him. " (pg. 63) When Ikemefuna moved into Okonkwo's household he was a big hit with everyone, so when he started to feel like he was apart of the family, they probably felt the same way. So I would think the family is also upset about the death of Ikemefuna. The thing that doesn't really make sense to me is that the Ibo culture chose to kill him, what is the big deal with him being alive?
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna had lived there for three years so he was like family, but it was the most hard on two characters, it was very hard on Nwoye because Ikemefuna was always around him and was like an older brother. Nwoye had learned so much about him and he fit in so well that Nwoye almost even forgot that he wasn’t actually part of the family. “As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, … He did not cry. He just hung limp (61).” Nwoye hadn’t want to cry but the sadness was still there. The death was also hard on Okonkwo. It was hard on him because Ikemefuna thought of him as his father. Infact it says he liked Okonkwo better than his real father. “He could not believe Okonkwo was not his real father. He had never been fond of his real father, and at the end of three years he had become very distant indeed (59).” Okonkwo knew this and when he killed him because he didn’t want to look weak he instantly regretted it. I think Okonkwo shouldn’t have gone to kill him and it wouldn’t have been so hard on him and he might have even eaten those two days.
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ReplyDeleteWhile reading about the events that took place in chapter seven, I had mixed feelings about the actions of Okonkwo. I realize that he was not of authority to argue with the Oracle of the Hills and Caves who had been the determining factor in the death of Ikemfuna, but I do not agree with his extreme behavior when the time finally came to kill Ikemfuna “Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak.” (61) Ikemefuna and Okonkwo had a healthy, strong relationship, and the fact that Okonkwo would be vain enough to murder his own son shows that he cares more about what the people in the clan think of him then the impact his decisions will have on his family.
I believe that Nwoye, who was very close to Ikemfuna will have difficulties coping with the death of Ikemfuna for many years to come. As his father came home the night of killing Ikemfuna, the story describe Nwoye as reaction as “…something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow. He did not cry. He just hung limp” (61) If the truth of Okonkwo’s actions ever reaches Nwoye, I fear that the relationship they have with each other, will be greatly impacted.
The fate of Ikemfuna’s life did not lie in the hands of Okonkwo, but the role he played in his death was a great impact to the story. I was able to gain a better understanding of Okonkwo by just this small portion of the book. I believe his actions will forever haunt him, and one day he will be sorry and pay for his decisions.
Ikemefuna's death was a huge plot twist. He played a large part in Nwoye life. "Okonkwo was inwardly pleased at his son's development, and he knew it was due to Ikemfuna." (25%) Okonkwo wanted to obey the Oracle to not seem weak even though he was told not to help them kill Ikemefuna. Okonkwo thought he was doing the right thing but he wasn't. Nwoye didn't cry but was still sad. Okonkwo could not eat or sleep for a couple days.
ReplyDeleteIkemefunas death is very shocking and a major twist in the story. But what is more shocking is that Okownkwo killed Ikemefuna himself. This makes me feel anger towards Okonkwo and his actions. I think the Ibo culture is flawed because they would kill someone who has not done anything wrong. It was not Ikemefunas fault that a Umofian girl was killed so he had to be punished. Especially since Ikemefuna was such a big part in their families lives. Okonkwo's character really shows when he kills Ikemefuna. This shows Okonkwo is really pride full. He would rather kill someone close than appear weak to the village.
ReplyDeleteI think that Nwoye will be the most hurt by Ikemefunas death." As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." (pg.61)
Okonkwo will also be upset by Ikemefunas death the book states "Okonkwo did not taste any food until two days after the death of Ikemefuna" (pg.63) Okonkwo will never forget what happened and he will remember it for the rest of his life.
How would you deal with the guilt of taking a young person's life, let alone someone who thought of you as their father? Okownko is suffering from a terrible choice/mistake he made. In the book it says that, “Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna.”(48) He is so guilt ridden that he couldn't sleep, he couldn't eat, and the only way he could even bear himself is by getting drunk. Okownko was “afraid of being thought weak” (61). In my opinion, he is weak. He LOVED Ikemefuna, he even went as far as calling him his son. If you were put into a situation such as this, and you were a truly strong person, you would lay down your own life for your son. You would do anything and everything in your power to save your family; your son. Obviously Okonkwo is a weak man, because he didn't have the courage to stand against these men. If killing your own son wasn't enough, can you imagine the pain Okonkwo must have felt when he got home and had to face his family, who had thought of Ikemefuna as a brother and son? In the book it says, "As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow." (61) Nwoye was crushed, he had just lost his best friend, and all because of his father. The worst part about Nwoye's situation is that he couldn't even cry. The book says, "He did not cry. He just hung limp (61).” He couldn't even cry, because he knew that if he did his father would get angry and think of him as a woman, just like how Okonkwo thought of himself as a woman because he couldn't shake Ikemefuna's death. Nwoye will never get over this and neither will Okonkwo. Let's only hope that this will shape the two into becoming better men, especially Okonkwo.
ReplyDeleteAs I'm reading through the book I'm trying to understand Okonkwo and his unfamiliar culture. It's extremely frustrating to me because nothing seems to make sense, but in a weird way i understand why things were the way they were.
ReplyDeleteWhen I came to the part where Okonkwo was informed that the oracle had decided Ikemefuna was to be killed I felt angry. Ikemefuna didn't deserve to die, he hadn't been anything but good for Okonkwo and his family, "He grew rapidly like a yam tendril in the rainy season, and was full of the sap of life. He had become wholly absorbed into his new family." (24%) yet nothing could be done to stop Ikemefuna's ill fate.
It continued to worsen when they lied to Ikemefuna and told him that he would be returning to his home the next day, everyone else knew he was going to die but they never told him. "later, Nwoye went to his mother's hut and told her that Ikemefuna was going home. She immediately dropped her pestle with which she was grinding pepper, folded her arms across her breast and sighed, "poor child." " (27%) He had a right to know what was going on, but I believe that it was better for him to believe that he was going home than to have know the truth. It's not good to await your death and that was probably why they lied to him, this way he got the chance to think of his real family one last time, and to say goodbye to his adoptive family before he left the world.
Though however, I had different feelings with Okonkwo, I was starting to understand him but then he agreed to come along on the trip to kill Ikemefuna even when, Ezuedu, a greatly respected old man, warned him the evening before, "That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in his death." (26%) But Okonkwo did not listen because he didn't want to be thought of as "weak" or "cowardly" but he was selfish and a coward. He fell under pressure instead of standing up and refusing to go with them. To me he deserves whatever pain he goes through because of it. He may believe that he's strong and brave but really he's a coward afraid of being called cowardly. I'm kind of disappointed in him but I hope he can change my mind throughout the rest of the book.
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ReplyDeleteI think the Nwoye was the most upset out of anyone. Ikemefuna was like a brother to him. He was his idol and Okonkwo was proud of him for making Nwoye into a man. The two of them worked hard but could talk and laugh at the same time. That was why it was so hard for Nwoye to let him go. (Later in the day he called Ikemefuna and told that he was to be taken home the next day. Nwoye overheard it and burst into tears, whereupon his father beat him heavily.) (50) It was also hard for Okonkwo to kill him, having thought of him so highly, but he had to do it to keep his honor and reputation. (Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought of weak.) (53) This was a great struggle for him afterwards also. (Okonkwo did not taste food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna. HE drank palm-wine from morning till night and his eyes were red and fierce like the eyes of a rat when it was caught by the tail and dashed against the floor. ... He did not sleep at night. He tried not to think about Ikemefuna, but the more he tried the more he thought about him.) (56) This is probably the biggest sign of emotion we will hear and see from him for the most of the book. He was clearly very torn up over it.
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna changed the every day lives of Okonkwo and his family. "He was like an elder brother to Nwoye, and from the very first seemed to have kindled a new fire in the younger boy."(52) Even Okonkwo the hard family leader had grown to like Ikemefuna even loving him as a son (though he would never admit). So when the Oracle made it evident that Ikemefuna was to be killed it took me by surprise that Okonkwo chose to be involved in the event. "Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being weak." (61) the man that had acted like a father to Ikemefuna had killed him with minimal remorse. In this day in age him actions would be classified in the same as a psychopath, but in the Ibo culture it is classified as strong,
ReplyDeletecourages, controlling, and independent the exact thing Okonkwo strives for himself and his son Nwoye. But unlike his father Nwoye can not settle for cultural mourning he stays strong around his father but can not help dealing something inside.
Okonkwo kept it inside but something was different with this kill. Something had registered inside Okonkwo he felt in a way sad. Only one thing could help. DRINK. Okonkwo did not eat, he did not sleep, he simply drank palm oil.
Like everyone has said Ikemfuna played a big part in Nwoye’s life. “Okonkwo was inwardly pleased at his son’s development, and he knew it was due to Ikemfuna.” (25%) Nwoye looked up to Ikemfun as a big brother. And when his Okonkwo got back it says, “A vague chill had descended on him and his head had seemed to swell, like a solitary walker at night who passes an evil spirit on the way.” (29%) Okonkwo had two choices though, he could obey the Oracle but kill his Ikemfuna his adopted son or he could disobey the Oracle and be thought of as weak but he could still have his son. Okonkwo did mourn after loosing Ikemefuna. It says, “Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemfuna. He drank palm-wine from morning till night, and his eyes were red and fierce like the eyes of a rat.” It also says that, “He did not sleep at night. He tried not to think about Ikemefuna, but the more he tried the more he though about him.” (29%)
ReplyDeleteOn page 57 I read.. "Yes, Umufioa has decided to kill him." What was confusing to me was they have lived together for 3 years and he wants to kill Ikemefuna. Reading on.. The next day after this was announced a group of elders from all nine villages of Umuofia came to okonkwos house and ordered that Ikemefuna and Nwoye to go out of the room. Later on, Ikemefuna is told that he would be taken home the next day. Nwoye overhears and is very sad over this. Pause, not reading on wouldn't you be a little suspicious about what was happening and why all of the sudden you are going home? Anyways.. Ikemefuna starts thinking about his mother and how she wept at Okonkwos feet over how well treatment he was giving to Ikemefuna ., and we are then introduced to his little sister. The gentlemen make Ikemefuna carry pot of oil, as he marches on it is described... "... Felt his legs melting under him." When then he realized his so called "father" was killing him. The reactions surprised me at first because everyne around them was okay about this killing.. Ikemefuna ran towards okonkwo, he drew his machete and cut him down. What a sick man!
ReplyDeleteIt then later on chp. 7 page 61-62 describes how the people who had heard the news reacted.
The women where hushed, and had much quicker steps.
Nwoye was depressed, very limp after hearing this, he felt as though a part of him was taken away.
Okonkwo was in his obi with Ikemefuna and Nwoye when Ezeudu told him that Ikemefuna was going to be killed. He told Okonkwo not to participate in the "ceremony" and not to come. However, he did come, and ended up killing Ikemefuna himself. When Nwoye found out about the death, he mourned but did not cry. He was very sad because he was a brother to him. Okonkwo was also sad. He did not seem to show much outward emotion, but “something seemed to give way inside him” (61). He had killed other men before, but he could usually harvest his crops and forget about it. However, this time his crops were already harvested, so he couldn't forget about it. Instead of harvesting, Okonkwo sat in his house and ate nothing for two days. He just drank palm-wine.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad and surprising that Ikemefuna has to be killed. What a twist in the story, although I am glad they put something different to keep me interested in the story. The sudden change from the Locusts to the announcement of Ikemefunas death was very shocking to me.
ReplyDeleteRight before Ikemefunas "murder," no one really cared for him, except Nwoye. Nwoye, "Overheard it and burst into tears." (pg. 57) For everyone else it was just a normal thing to die. A group of men went with their machetes to kill Ikemefuna. When they came back, everyone was merry and back to what they do. Everyone except Okonkwo. Okonkwo was very sad and troubled for many days, but who could blame him for loosing a strong powerful son.
The thing that bothered me the most about his death was the way his mother reacted. She responded to the news by saying, "Poor boy" and that's it. (pg. 58)
Some of the thoughts I had while reading chapter 7 were that I was confused with why Ikemefuna had to be killed and that Okonkwo didn't protest in any way. Okonkwo was worried that his son would become lazy without Ikemefuna, in the book "Okonkwo was inwardly pleased at his son's development, and he knew it was due to Ikemefuna" (38), if Okonkwo was truly worried about his son he would have tried to stop the death of Ikemefuna. Of course of would have been difficult to stand against your tribe's elders and the Oracle and I am not sure that I would have done anything differently than how Okonkwo did it. I was surprised that Okonkwo went with the group taking Ikemefuna and also that he was the one to kill him. Although I am angry with Okonkwo I can see that his father, even in death, is still "ruling" his life. Okonkwo believed that his father was weak which is one of the reasons why Ikemefuna was killed by him. For example "Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his matchet and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak" (44). When he came home he mourned and grieved which I was surprised about. When I had gotten used to the "new" Okonkwo, he decided that he didn't care that he had killed a boy that called him father and he puzzled over the fact that he did mourn and grieve over Ikemefuna.
ReplyDeleteOkonkwo told everyone that Ikemefuna was being taken how. When Nwoye found out he cried and his father punished him for it, then he told his mother that Ikemefuna was leaving, then she felt pity for Ikemefuna calling him a "poor child".
Although Okonkwo never told him, Ikemefuna always knew he would not be going home. He held hope that he would be able to see his mother and sister again but he knew he wouldn't.
When Okonkwo returned Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had died. He became limp and sad, but didn't cry. He seemed to have aquired a darkness or evil spirit upon himself. For example, "It descended on him again, this feeling, when his father walked in, that night after killing Ikemefuna." (45). The thought that I had after reading that was that Nwoye Is planning to punish his father for whatever he thinks that he did.
When they had first told Okonkwo that they were going to kill Ikemefuna they told Okonkwo not to get involved because Ikemefuna thought of him as his father. This shocked me because I didn`t think that the elders would actually care what kind of relationship Ikemefuna and Okonkwo had.
ReplyDeleteWhen they left Umuofia it also surprised me that Okonkwo even went with them. When Ikemefuna had heard that he was going home he knew that that wasn`t what was going to happen, but when they left and he saw Okonkwo was behind him he felt more secure and he felt happy because he had hope that he would see his family again. This showed me how much he really trusted Okonkwo.
The reaction of his mother was very void of emotion and made me curious about the relationship between Ikemefuna and his mother. Okonkwo`s reaction made me wonder why he said nothing when the elders told him they were going to kill Ikemefuna. When Okonkwo cut him down the text said that he was afraid of being thought weak. In my opinion he was weak for not standing up for the him and for being afraid to say something to the elders. Nwoye`s reaction made me realize just how strong the bond had become between him and Ikemefuna. His reaction also made me wonder what thoughts were going through his head and what kind of man he would grow up to be.
I thought that Ikemefunas death was very unexpecting and cruel. it was surprising because Okonkwo like Ikemefuna. the way that he died was bad to because Okonkwo took him to the place he was going to be killed. the tol on the family was hard because it says that, a deathly silence descended on the compound (27%). I thought that their religion was over powering and that it was not right just to kill a child if they think he should die.
ReplyDeleteI think that Ikemefuna's death was unnecessary. "For three years Ikemefuna had lived in Okonkwo's household" (52). Okonkwo had even grown fond of Ikemefuna. Ikemefuna had also began calling Okonkwo his father. I also don't like the fact that everyone does exactly what the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves tell them to do. What made the situation worse was that Okonkwo told Ikemefuna that he was going home. Once their group was outside the city Ikemefuna was killed by Okonkwo. When Okonkwo got home "Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, and something seemed to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightening bow" (61). Ikemefuna's death affected many people.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Ikemefuna's death was unjust and for an unworthy reason. I do believe that in the Ibo culture they felt that killing Ikemefuna would prove their point as the Oracle instructed them to. The Ibo culture plays into Ikemefuna's death because they believe that their Oracle and Spirits where instructing them to do so and they would not like to displease the Oracle or Spirits. Okonkwo was effected greatly by the thought of making himself look weak if he was not to kill Ikemefuna, yet by doing so he put himself in great depression. Nwoye was greatly effected because he was so close to Ikemefuna, they were like brothers.
ReplyDeleteBecause Ikemefuna’s father killed Udo’s wife, Ikemefuna must die. It is unfair not only that Ikemefuna must die, but that Okonkwo and his family must suffer the grief of his death. I feel that Ikemefuna’s father should have been the one to get killed in place of Udo’s wife. Okonkwo had placed much joy and trust in Ikemefuna. Ikemefuna had inspired Nwoye to work harder and become a great man in the future. I find it disgusting and very wrong that Okonkwo was so worried about being seen as weak that he slaughtered Ikemefuna himself. He killed a boy that saw him as a father. To tell Ikemefuna that he was going home and give him the false joy and hope of returning to help his mother and his sister then murdering him, for the sake of the plan of the oracle, is just sickening. Nwoye was saddened, but excited, for the knowledge that Ikemefuna would finally get to return to his family after three long years. Nwoye was torn by the news of Ikemefuna’s death, but he did not show his grief. Okonkwo’s grief on the other hand was quite obvious. He did not eat and could not sleep for many days. Okonkwo would have been better off had he listened to Ogbuefi Ezeudu’s warning, “That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in his death.” (Page 57)
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna's death was very shocking. It made a great twist in the story and kept it interesting. Nwoye had a strong relationship with Ikemefuna. He felt as if Ikemefuna was his older brother. Ikemefuna helped strengthen Okonkwo's family in many ways. Deep inside Okonkwo felt as if Ikemefuna was his son, but he was afraid he would appear as weak if he admitted it. "Dazed with fear, he drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought of weak." (Page 61) These two sentences show that Okonkwo did have a choice to cut down Ikemefuna, but he had to keep a strong reputation. Nwoye was very sad when he found out about his "brother's" death. Although, he did not show his emotions. On the other hand, Okonkwo grieved for many days.
ReplyDeleteUchendu answers his own question of "why is it that the most common name we give our children Nneka, or "Mother is Supreme"?" by telling Okonkwo that the mother is where the children go to for compassion after being beaten by their father. He relates this to Okonkwo, because after being shunned by his village he came to his motherland for help. ( 133-134). This helps him to be humbled and realize for the first time in his life that he has to accept help and to change his mind setting. At this time he is very confused, everything he has ever known suddenly changed. His farm and titles are gone and everything that he worked so hard for is gone.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for the late response, I was at scout camp and then haven't been home.
ReplyDeleteIkemefuna’s death was very unexpected. I was surprised at the sudden twist in the story! His passing was so sad because he was just starting to become used to his new family. In the book, it states that “he became wholly absorbed into his new family. He was like an elder brother to Nwoye (75 iBooks version).” Nwoye had grown such a good relationship with Ikemefuna and had made such a good progress that Okonkwo was pleased with. He even called Okonkwo father. Ikemefuna was changing Okonkwo’s family for the better. But then, just like that, he was gone.
Just as I wasn’t expecting Ikemefuna’s death, no one else in the book was expecting it either. When the priest announced that Ikemefuna was to be killed, Okonkwo was truly surprised, and that is saying something, because Okonkwo always made an effort to be strong and have no emotion. “Umuofia has decided to kill him,” says the priest, “The Oracle of the Hill and the Caves has pronounced it. They will take him outside Umuofia as is the custom, and kill him there. But I want you to have nothing to do with it. He calls you his father (82).”
Okonkwo was to tell Ikemefuna that he was going home to his sister and his mother, which was a dreadfully painful lie, because Ikemefuna got super excited and pondered on the matter all the way to his death place. And all the sudden, when Ikemefuna was lost in thought thinking about his original family, he was blown by a machete. What Ikemefuna was thinking at this moment must have been heartbreaking. He was so excited to see his family, but they had just told him this to take him to the place of his death? He then turns desperately to his father, Okonkwo, for hope and relief as he says, “My father, they have killed me (87)!” Okonkwo turned around, drew his machete, and cut him down.
Okonkwo must have been scared out of his wits. He had such a good relationship with Ikemefuna, but then the priests said that he needed to be killed. Okonkwo must have been torn, because of course he didn’t want Ikemefuna to die, but he couldn’t go against the will of the Oracle of the Hills. But, he had to be strong, so he went to Ikemfuna’s death place. When Ikemefuna had been blown by the first machete and turned to Okonkwo, “dazed with fear, [he] drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak (87).”
“As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, and something seem to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow. He did not cry. He just hung limp (87).” This must have been such a shock to Nwoye that Ikemefuna had died. They were best friends! They had had such a closeness with each other, but then, Ikemefuna was dead. And that was the end of their close relationship.
Ikemefuna’s death was truly horrific and affected people for the worse. It was a very strange twist in the story!
I’m sorry that this has taken so long to post! I have had the worst luck with getting this published!! ☺
Ikemefuna's death was unexpecting and in a cruel way. Ikemefuna had lived with Okonkwo's family for three years, and was almost like a son to Okonkwo. Okonkwo also grew fond of Ikemefuna and Ikemefuna also grew close to Nwoye. I don't like how the Ibo culture plays into his death. The Oracle of the Hills and Caves told them he had to die just because of how their customs are. I disliked the way they killed him by taking outside the village and Okonkwo slaying him himself. "As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, and something seem to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow. He did not cry, he just hung limp (87)." This shocked Nwoye because he and Ikemefuna were best friends. They were very close with one another and that was the end of their relationship.
ReplyDelete"Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna." (63) This indicates that Okonkwo was living in sort of a trance. He felt as if he had lost one of his own children. The rest of his family felt this sadness too, especially Nwoye. However, the rest of the village hardly noticed Ikemefuna's death. To them, he was a dead man as soon as he'd entered the village. -Max Catten
ReplyDeleteI was surprised when the leaders of the clan came and told Okonkwo that he should have no part in the death of Ikemefuna because he called him father. When they told Nwoye that Ikemefuna was going home the entire compound of Okonkwo went silent. “A deathly silence descended on Okonkwo’s compound.” (58) All of the little children seemed to know what was happening to Ikemefuna. “Even the very little children seemed to know.” (58) Okonkwo seemed devastated. He didn’t eat for two days, and he became drunk from the palm wine. “He drank palm wine from morning till night, and his eyes were red and fierce like the eyes of a rat when it was caught by the tail and dashed against the floor.” (63) “You have not eaten for two days.” (63) The Ibo culture is very cruel in the part of Ikemefuna’s death. Nwoye is not happy about what happened to Ikemefuna and somewhat blames his father.
ReplyDeleteI was very upset when I read that Ikemefuna was going to be killed. I cried for about ten minutes. I was very disgusted with Okonkwo when I read that he killed the boy even though the clan leaders told him that he shall not have any part in the death. I understand he did not want to seem week to his peers but I find it horrific that he could do that after Ikemefuna had brought his family together in many ways and, also the fact that Ikemefuna called Okonkwo father. All of the children felt sorrow along with the wives and Okonkwo. I was surprised that Okonkwo actually felt sad about killing him. I think Ikemefuna's death had the greatest impact on Nwoye, they were very close and it broke his heart that Okonkwo would do that to Ikemefuna. Nwoye was then scared to go into Okonkwo's hut, and snuck out every time he would notice Okonkwo was dozing to sleep.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was reading this chapter I experienced several feelings. To start with, I couldn't help to feel that Okonkwo had in a sense, betrayed the love and bond between him and Ikemefuna. I also was very shocked when the oracle told the village Ikemefuna must die. I don't really understand the reasoning for killing him? I also was glad the Okonkwo had at least felt some saddnes for the death of Ikemefuna, I felt like this reminded the readers that Okonkwo was still human. I also felt pitty and sadness for Nwoye and the other members of the family for there loss. I couldn't help but feel pure sadness for Ikemefuna when they had to take him outside of the village and slaughter him. These are some of the many mixed emotions that where experienced while I read this section.
ReplyDeleteI felt really sad during that chapter. I wondered why didn't Okonkwo do or say anything that would help protect Ikemfuna ? I also felt like it must have been really hard for Ikemefuna to know that they were going to kill him and know that he couldn't do anything about it. In my opinion, it must have been hard not only on Ikemefuna but on his mother when he told her that he was going to get killed. Honestly, how is a mother supposed to react in this situation?
ReplyDeleteI felt really sad during that chapter. I also was very shocked when the oracle told the village Ikemefuna must die. I was surprised that Okonkwo actually felt sad about killing him. "As soon as his father walked in, that night, Nwoye knew that Ikemefuna had been killed, and something seem to give way inside him, like the snapping of a tightened bow. He did not cry, he just hung limp (87)."
ReplyDeleteI was honestly really sad and irritated when Ikemefuna died. I don't think it was as much as sadness but I was really irritated at the fact that Onkonkwo killed him because he didn't want to ruin his reputation, because if he didn't it was a sign of weakness. It said that “Okonkwo did not taste any food for two days after the death of Ikemefuna" (48). So I do believe he didn't want to kill him. I think that they should have kept him alive mainly for the fact that he didn't do anything wrong!
ReplyDeleteikemefunas death was horrible. I was actually really sad and kind of frustrated. i was mostly angry because okonkwo killed him but if he didnt it would be showing weakness. He heard Ikemefuna cry, “My father, they have killed me!” as he ran towards him. Dazed with fear, Okonkwo drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak. (chapter 7)
ReplyDelete("look after the doomed lad who was sacrificed to the village of Umuofia by their neighbors to avoid war and blood shed. The ill fated lad was called Ikemefuna" pg.8). My thoughts on Ikemefuna's death is that his people and the people who sacrificed him are really commited to there gods and believe that if they do blood sacrifices that will keep them happy and they wont cause things like children dieing and crops not growing and things like that.
ReplyDelete