Ikemefuna’s Death in Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart Essay -- Things

Ikemefunas Death in Things free fall ApartOkonkwos participation in the slaying of his adopted son, Ikemefuna is a pivotal piece in Things Fall Apart. It is a result of horror that cannot please Ani, the great earth goddess, the eye of community, the ultimate judge of morality for the clan. It is a moment that changes the course of events, a moment eerily paralleled in the death of Ezeudus son. It is a moment that ultimately causes Okonkwos son, Nwoyes to abandon his ancestors and become a Christian. It is a moment when the center of community life, the ask to honor blood ties and the need to respect the earth goddess, can no longer hold. It is a moment when things fall apart. That boy calls you father. Do not bear a move over in his death, advises Ezeudu, the oldest and most respected man in the village (Achebe 57). Although he treats the boy as a son (28), Okonkwos greatest disquietude is to be thought effeminate. He ignores Ezeudus advice and accompanies the party that take s Ikemefuna to his death. Ikemefuna feels safe, not believe that harm will come to him while his fos...