"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, presents an abounding insight into the way of life of the Ibo and their culture, including traditional customs and religious practices. Part 1 of the novel especially explores these areas, providing in-depth aspects of the different practices of the Umuofians and their Ibo culture. Different aspects, such as religion, marriage, funerals, family lifestyles and sex discriminations are just some of the different categories in the traditional values of these African tribes-people.
             Men are very highly regarded by the Ibo. To be "manly" is to be a skilful wrestler, preferably one who holds some wrestling titles; one who is successful in his harvesting of yams; one who is able to "control his women-folk"; and one who shows no sign of weakness (i.e. kindness, gentleness, affection, etc. – the traits of a woman). Okonkwo, the central protagonist, is considered the most "manly" in his tribe, an attribute he earned through his own fear of one-day being called "weak". It is through Okonkwo that we come to understand the importance and greatness of men in his culture.
             In the Ibo culture, women are a contrast to men. They are deprived of virtually all rights and are treated like slaves. They are obligated to follow every instruction given to them by their husbands – failure to do so usually leads to severe beatings, which is permissible in their culture. Unlike the men, the women share a special bond between one-another. An example of this is the willingness of other wives to politely intervene when one wife is being beaten, though this usually does not help stop the beating to any extent. At important ceremonies, such as the "egwugwu" ritual, the seating is arranged in such a way to only accommodate for males, while the females "looked on from the fringe like outsiders".
             The harshest insult one can get is to be called a wo...