Achebe's (1986) "Things Fall Apart"

While men argon seen as warriors, virile crop-be arers, and leaders, women are often viewed as effectual only for procreation, free labor, and domesticated duties. As Mezu (1995) maintains, "The world in Things Fall Apart is unmatched in which patriarchy intrudes oppressively into every sphere of existence" (2).

We see that women realize an subordinate role to men in Igbo society, but that role is one foisted upon them by men. Acting as a microcosm of the outside world's say-so over the Igbo culture, the male Igbo lords his superiority over the female Igbo. As Uchendu tells Okonkwo, "We all know that a man is the head of the family and the wives do his bidding" (Achebe 1986, 94). The chauvinism in Igbo society is readily presumable from comments much(prenominal) as these and the fact that even the term "women" is considered an tease when directed at "men." Mezu (1995) maintains that in depicting such(prenominal) a chauvinistic culture among the Igbo, Achebe was merely showing a contrive that "reflects traditional mores" (1). Women exist in Igbo society at the government of men, an existence that is both dominated and defined by men.

highly chauvinistic culture of the Igbo, Achebe's instauration of women demonstrates that they do harbour various powers within Igbo society. For example, while males are considered more "manly" if they produce a high go crop, women are the necessary labor force to achieve such a "manly" position.

Likewise, women are in control of the domestic sphere, including their role of educating children through story-telling and other methods. However, even though women have such "powers" in society, compared to men they are more resembling chattel. We see this when we learn Okonkwo beats one of his wives for failing to compensate his dinner on time. Despite such abuses, women do have a position of importance in some instances, such as when the other women at Anasi's wedding cannot drink in front her arrival. Further, while women are always secondary compared to men, they hold a place of importance to males as protectors of children and home. The expression "Mother is unequivocal" is commonplace in Igbo society (Achebe 1986, 94). Likewise, women are portrayed as the glue that holds family and even society together when things "fall ap
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