Things Fall Apart
The Mistreatment of Women in Things Fall Apart Women are often thought of as the weaker, more vulnerable of the two sexes. Thus, women's roles in literature are often subdued and subordinate. In the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, women are viewed as second-class citizens, powerless and defenseless to the authority of men. Women are not respected as people, but as property, laborers, and the producers of children. A woman has no identity of her own; the status and position of her husband defines her. Achebe offers an accurate depiction of the role of women in a male-dominated society in Things Fall Apart. The central character, Okonkwo, has three wives that he treats more like servants than companions. His wives "live[] in perpetual fear of his fiery temper" (2622). They are never to act without orders or question them when they are given, illustrating the level of submissiveness a woman must display to be socially acceptable. In the second chapter, Okonkwo brings Ikemefuna, a prisoner of war with a neighboring clan, into his home until the clan decides what should be done with him. Okonkwo tells his senior wife to look after him. She asks if the captive will be staying for a long period of time. Okonkwo furious
A representative of society at large, Okonkwo views women as weak and foolish. The omniscient narrator acknowledges a near-invisibility of women in Things Fall Apart. Osugo has taken no title and in a gathering of his peers, Okonkwo unkindly tells him, "This meeting is for men"(2629). Though Enzinma is the favorite of the nine children, Okonkwo thinks "she should have been a boy" (2644) because such intelligence and will is wasted on a female. Okonkwo's attitude is indicative of intolerance for weakness, the association of weakness and femininity, and thus intolerance of women and womanly characteristics. The only glory and satisfaction these women enjoy is motherhood. The importance of a woman's role as mother is demonstrated when Okonkwo is exiled to his motherland. Regardless of male acceptance, women pay a pivotal role in Ibo society. Women are completely entrusted with the care of the children. Yams of smaller size and lesser value than other yams is regarded as female. Okonkwo beats his youngest wife, Ojiugo, because she goes out to get her hair plaited and does not return in time to cook the afternoon meal. He either wants his wife back or his bride price. Wives, even as property, are still not important enough to discuss. Does a man speak when a God speaks? Beware!"(2661). Women also have the responsibility of taking care of upkeep of the home, which includes cleaning and painting.
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Acceptance Essays
