Things Fall Apart

A detailed Summary of 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

As badly as women are treated in Ibo society, Achebe shows that the Ibo assign some roles of importance to women. Chielo, the priestess of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves, in ordinary life, is a widow with two kids and the middle wife's friend. Clothed in the mystic mantle of the divinity she serves, Chielo transforms from the ordinary; she can scold Okonkwo and even scream curses at him: "Beware of exchanging words with Agbala. Does a man speak when a God speaks? Beware!"(2661). Yet, Chielo degrades the her friend, Ekwefi, when she wants to accompany her to the cave, asking "How dare you, woman, to go before the mighty Agbala on your own accord?" (2662). Women also have the responsibility of taking care of upkeep of the home, which includes cleaning and painting. Furthermore, the first wife of a man in Ibo society is given some respect, illustrated at the palm wine ceremony at Nwakibie's obi. Anasi, Nwakibie's first wife, had not yet arrived and "the others [wives] could not drink before her"(2625). The importance of a woman's role as mother is demonstrated when Okonkwo is exiled to his motherland. His uncle, Uchendu, noticing Okonkwo's distress, eloquently explains how Okonkwo should view his exile: "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. And that is why we say that Mother is Supreme"(2675). The only glory and satisfaction these women enjoy is motherhood. They receive respect and love from their children. They are strong for their children. Women are completely entrusted with the care of the children.

A representative of society at large, Okonkwo views women as weak and foolish. He has a different expectation for men and women. This double standard is demonstrated in the upbringing of his children. He tries his best to train Nwoye, the eldest son, to be strong and brave while he feels sorry that Enzinma is a

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Approximate Word count = 1329
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels