Final answer:
Ikemefuna was brought to live in Okonkwo's home as part of a peace settlement after a conflict between his village and Umuofia. His character's introduction highlights the complexities of Igbo culture and societal structures in Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ikemefuna came to live in Okonkwo's home as a peace settlement between Okonkwo's village, Umuofia, and the neighboring village to avoid war after someone from the neighboring village killed an Umuofian woman. Okonkwo's household was chosen to care for Ikemefuna because of Okonkwo's high status in the community.
The Igbo society depicted in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart is structured around complex social, political, and religious hierarchies. It is within this framework that the character of Ikemefuna is introduced, setting the stage for significant events and character development throughout the novel. Okonkwo, a man revered for his strength and status, is selected by the elders because of his prominent position, reflecting on customs such as conflict resolution and the care of individuals for the good of the society, which are central to the narrative.
Ikemefuna's arrival represents a blend of compassion and the sense of duty that permeates the Igbo culture, which is depicted in the novel to explore themes like masculinity, colonialism, and the clash of cultures. By understanding his situation, readers gain insight into the intricate web of relations and values that form the backbone of the Igbo community in Achebe's narrative.