Women in the Ibo Society

A detailed Summary of Women in the Ibo Society

In Things Fall Apart, the Ibo women were perceived as being weak. They

received little or no respect in the Ibo society and were harshly abused. Perhaps, tradition

and religion established their role in this type of society. In the story, Okonkwo had three

wives. He mandated them around as though they were animals. They never questioned

what they were told and were required to be loyal. The reader sees this at the beginning of

the story, when Okonkwo brings the young man into his home. Okonkwo tells his first

wife that Ikemefuna belongs to the family and she is presumed to look after him like a son.

Ekwefi questioned her husband about Ikemefuna's stay. Okonkwo went into a rage and

then questions her. "Do what you are told woman. When did you become one of the

ndichie of Umuofia (Achebe 14)?" This example illustrates that the Ibo women did not

Things Fall Apart, the reader clearly sees that women receive no respect. They are

important role of an Ibo woman is that of a mother. She is occupied with the maintenance

during the Week of Peace. Another example of a beating took place when Okonkwo's

familiar with the harsh treatment that were enforced by their husbands. Okonkwo beat his

and read to the children, expanding their education. Possibly, the first wife received some

woman. They both are in a polygamy relationship and are oppressed in their society. In

Approximate Word count = 616
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

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