Things Fall Apart

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Question: The threads of this story are related in a circular fashion, as opposed to a conventional linear pattern. What effect does this impose on the tale of Ikemefuna? What effect does it have on the story of Ezinma? Answer: On the tale of Ikemefuna the circular fashion keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat. After learning that Ikemefuna was taken from his home as a sort of tribute to Okonkwo’s village, the reader wants to learn more about what will happen to him in the near future. This writing style helps keep the interested in the story. In the story of Ezinma, this style of writing helps the reader learn the story of Ezinma and watch her grow from a child into a young woman throughout the story. Question: The sacrifice of Ikemefuna could be seen as being parallel to the crucifixion of Jesus. The event also raises a series of questions. Ikemefuna and the villagers that are left behind are told that he is “going home.” Does this euphemism for dying contain truth for them? Do they believe they are doing him a favor? Why do they wait three years, allowing him and Okonkwo's family to think of him as a member of their family? Finally, Okonkwo, “the father,” allows the sacrifice to occur as God presumably allowed Christ’s sacrifice, with no resistance. How can one accept this behavior and maintain love for the father or God? Answer: The euphemism in saying that Ikemefuna is going home is appropriate for this situation. The Members of Okonkwo’s village end up killing Ikemefuna which is “sending” him home but not to his village, but to his father in heaven. In a sense I believe that they do think that they are doing Ikemefuna a favor by killing him. They wait three years before killing him because the oracle says that three years is the right time for him to die. It is almost as if Ikemefuna has served his purpose because he helped Nwoye become more

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