Death, Murder, and Harm of Family and Family

Death, Murder, and Harm of Family and Friends

Don't Count On Others to Help

Author: Iriana, Photography and Layout Editor

       Okonkwo, without hesitation, murdered an inocent person, and then was banished for seven years for accidentally shooting a man. No one likes to lose a family member. Umuofia share the same ideals, but they have some different idea about how much family matters and what is worthy of punishment.

      Family is a big thing in Umuofia since without wives and children, the tribes would not continue. Although families are have big meaning, when it comes down to it, would you murder someone who you think of as family. Okonkwo "Dazed with fear,[Okonkwo] drew his machete and cut Ikemefuna down. [Okonkwo] was afraid of being thought weak" (Achebe 61). Okonkwo was so afraid of being like his father, weak and lazy, that he killed someone that looked up to him like a father. He knew what was going to happen to Ikemufuna when Ezeudu came to his house saying, "That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in [Ikemefuna's] death" ( Achebe 57). I guess family doesn't matter when your reputation is on the line, but then again Ikemefuna was not his actual son so there was no reason for him to feel bad about it. Some time later, at a great celebration of a life, Okonkwo commits a vial act and shoots a young boy. Although it was a terrible thing, it was accidental, but as punishment he was banished for seven years. As said in the book, "The only course open to Okonkwo was to flee from the clan" (Achebe 124). 

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor, 1994. Print.