Ikemefuna As A Christ Figure Analysis

A character can be considered a Christ figure based on a reader’s perspective. In the novel Things Fall Apart, Ikemefuna is a young boy brought to Umuofia from a neighboring village as payment for a murder. He is sent to live with the protagonist, Okonkwo, and his family for an undisclosed amount of time. Throughout his short time in Umuofia, Ikemefuna continually proves himself to be a Christ figure, and foreshadows his death. Ikemefuna’s good character demonstrates his role as a Christ figure in Things Fall Apart. After some time, Okonkwo ceases to see Ikemefuna as a prisoner, but as a son. He invites him into his obi to tell him masculine stories. He also teaches him how to plant the “king crop”; yams. This is similar to Jesus Christ as the “only begotten son.” Also, because of Ikemefuna’s influence, Okonkwo’s “weak” son Nwoye becomes more manly. Ikemefuna changes Nwoye, just as Christ changes people. He also becomes a role model not only for Nwoye, but for the younger children, as well. Through his positive influence, Ikemefuna begins

First of all, he desperately misses home. Ikemefuna has been taken from his home and family, and is now expected to adjust to his new life in Umuofia. This transition proves to be hard for him as he searches for comfort in this new life, similar to Christ being sent to Earth. Another hard thing for Ikemefuna is the fact that he really isn’t Okonkwo’s son. Okonkwo learns to love him as a son, and Ikemefuna loves Okonkwo as a father, but it doesn’t make it true. This causes friction with Nwoye, who grows jealous of the praise Ikemefuna receives from Okonkwo. An example of this is Lucifer’s jealousy and hatred for Christ. Lastly,and most importantly, Ikemefuna dies as a sacrifice. This is the greatest similarity between Ikemefuna and Jesus Christ. Because of his flaws, Ikemefuna’s death as a Christ figure is strongly