Possible Foreshadowing

This is actually my second time reading this book. Rereading it has made me realize key aspects that I did not catch my first time around. The scene where Okonkwo kills Ikemefuna is one that I found very interesting. It reminded me of the Biblical tale of Abraham and Isaac. In Things Fall Apart, the gods order the death/sacrifice of Ikemefuna. Ikemefuna is not Okonkwo’s biological son; he comes to live with Okonkwo’s family from a different town. Although not blood related, Okonkwo grows close with this young man and considers him a son. Therefore, when the Oracle demands that Ikemefuna should be sacrificed, Okonkwo is devastated. However, when Ikemefuna calls out to him for help saying, “My father, they have killed me!”, Okonkwo, in fear of being regarded as weak, cuts him down with a machete, ultimately being the one to end Ikemefuna’ life.

Although the outcome of the story in Things Fall Apart is very different from that of Abraham and Isaac, I think the set up is similar. In the story of Abraham and Isaac, Abraham is commanded by God to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. God does this to test Abraham’s faith. Thus, both father figures are called upon by divine powers to demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness by sacrificing their beloved ones. In addition, both embark on long journeys to go to a specific place to carry out the act; Abraham climbs the mountain in the land of Moriah and Okonkwo goes deep into the forest.

I don't know if this has anything more to do with the comparison but I found it ironic that Nwoye, Okonkwo’s actual first-born son changes his name to Isaac when he converts to Christianity. Perhaps the relationship with Okonkwo and Ikemefuna foreshadows the changes that Umuofia undergoes later on.