Entry Task: Summarize the events surrounding the death of Ikemefuna, the prisoner from another town who lives with Okonkwo. Objective: SWBAT take a position about a character’s choice, using textual evidence to support your position. January 20 Chi is an individual’s personal god, whose merit is determined by the individual’s good fortune or lack thereof.

Who is Ikemefuna? Why was he living with Okonkwo? Why does Okonkwo like him more than his own son, Nwoye? Who is Ikemefuna? Ikemefuna is a fifteen-year-old boy from a neighboring clan, Mbaino, who is given up to Umuofia as a sacrifice for killing one of the women of Umuofia. He lives with Okonkwo’s family for three years before the elders order him to be killed. In those three years, he grows very close to Okonkwo's family, especially Nwoye. Okonkwo even prefers him to his true son Nwoye, considering Ikemefuna to be a promising, hard-working young man. His murder, in which Okonkwo takes a part, haunts Okonkwo throughout the book. From the very beginning, Ikemefuna is the ultimate victim; his fate is completely out of his control since he is taken away by his family so early in life for a crime which he had no part in, nor any knowledge of. In his new life, Ikemefuna is subject to the whims of his new father and the Umuofia elders, in whose hands his fate ultimately lies. Ikemefuna is a prime example of how Okonkwo’s fear of being like his father – feminine and cowardly – drives him to make a poor, regrettable decision. He joins in killing Ikemefuna because he is afraid of being weak, yet he is haunted by his decision and it also permanently emotionally distances him from Nwoye.

How long has Ikemefuna been with the family? Who decides his fate? What does Ezeudu tell Okonkwo about this decision? What do Okonkwo’s actions reveal about him? What does Okonkwo view as masculine? How does his gender identity affect his choice? What do you think will happen to Okonkwo after this important event? Discuss Ch.7-8 3 years From the very beginning, Ikemefuna is the ultimate victim; his fate is completely out of his control since he is taken away by his family so early in life for a crime which he had no part in, nor any knowledge of. In his new life, Ikemefuna is subject to the whims of his new father and the Umuofia elders, in whose hands his fate ultimately lies. While Okonkwo is enjoying his locusts, Ezedu, a respected elder arrives with a message: the village (or rather the Umuofia Oracle) has decided to kill Ikemefuna in punishment of the crime committed long ago against Umuofia. Ezedu advises Okonkwo to obey the command, but have nothing to do with the actual execution, since Ikemefuna “calls you father.” Okonkwo lies to Ikemefuna, telling him that he’s being sent back to his own village. The entire household intuits the truth and reacts somberly, but can do nothing about it. Even Ikemefuna doesn't really believe he's going home. A posse of men, including Okonkwo, “accompanies” Ikemefuna out into the wilderness to take him home (or slaughter him). As they walk, Ikemefuna is lulled into a false sense of security, telling himself that Okonkwo is his real father and would do nothing to hurt him. He convinces himself that he is really going home and occupies himself with a childhood song that his biological mother had taught him. When the time comes, Okonkwo is told to go to the back of the pack and do nothing. The men cut Ikemefuna down with their machetes and Ikemefuna cries out for Okonkwo, calling him “father.” In reply, Okonkwo steps forward and delivers the killing blow to his adoptive son. (Ikemefuna is all, “Et tu, Brute?” OK, not really, because that’s actually Julius Caesar, but the poor kid probably feels the same way.) If you’re wondering why on earth Okonkwo slashed Ikemefuna, it’s a lame macho reason: Okonkwo is afraid of his peers thinking he’s weak.

Take a Position and Discuss Do you agree or disagree with Okonkwo’s decision to join the group of people who killed Ikemefuna? Work in pairs. One person should agree and the other disagree. Find a reason from the text to support your opinion. Discuss your position using the evidence from the text. Take a Position and Discuss