Igbo Women In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart depicts many details of how women shape and form the Igbo culture. However, throughout the novel women in the Igbo society are abused by their husbands due to trivial matters. Moreover, a woman in the Igbo society never has the opportunity to make a decision for herself, which makes them an object that is merely used as a pathway to success. Despite the toiling and dedication women put into helping the Igbo society, they are often left forgotten in the shadow of their husbands. Even though women are always mistreated and held at a lower standard than men, in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe displays that they help the Igbo society blossom and play a vital role in the success of the masculine figures.
A way Chinua Achebe explores the roles of women is by showing how they contribute to the Igbo society. In the Igbo villages, women are constantly active during special occasions and help with their husband’s farm. For instance, Okonkwo’s “mother and sisters worked hard enough, but they grew women’s crops, like coco-yams, beans, and cassava” (Achebe 16). Without the help of women, their husband’s farm will not be complete which will lead to a downfall when it comes time to sell their crops. Additionally, women frequently execute the role of priestesses. Achebe describes that during Okonkwo’s childhood “The priestess in those days was a woman called Chika. She was full of the power of her god, and she was greatly feared” (12). The Oracle only speaks with the priestess and possess her soul when she needs to enter the village, therefore, the priestess is needed in order to get in contact with the Oracle. The priestess also acts as a mentor to the village since she is able to guide them through tough times and advise them when completing the Oracle’s commands. On top of, Achebe expresses “Low voices, broken now and again by singing, reached Okonkwo from his wives’ huts as each woman and her children told folk stories” (74). The text also illustrates women as the educators and caretakers of their husband’s children. Every night the children’s mothers narrate to them stories which hold the important lessons about life. Thus, it is through storytelling that the lessons taught by women help the growth and development of the children as they grow older and have to take on more responsibilities in the Igbo society.
In the novel Things Fall Apart, women are always an essential part of a man’s journey through life.
Nonetheless, the women are never appreciated for the sacrifices they make in order to benefit others. When Ogbuefi Udo’s wife was killed, a girl was to be given up which caused a lot of commotion between clans. However “At the end they decided, as everybody knew they would, that the girl should go to Ogbuefi Udo to replace his murdered wife” (9). The girl was a replacement for Ogbuefi’s wife which shows that women are interchangeable and that it is acceptable to pass them around. Despite the mistreatment given to them, women still obey and devote their time to benefit their husband. For example, when Okonkwo left for Mbanta he took with him “his family of three wives and their children to seek refuge in his motherland,” and during this time period “Okonkwo and his family worked very hard to plant a new farm” (101). Without the help of Okonkwo’s wives, he would not have been able to be successful in his new village. Moreover, when Okonkwo is banished from Umuofia he learns that “A man belongs to his father land when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland” (103). Every man knows that despite his actions, his mother is always there to give him sympathy and forgiveness. Therefore, whenever a man is sentenced to exile for committing a crime, he is sent to his motherland. In addition, the daughters of any
family are taken advantage of and are put against their own will. Achebe states “With two beautiful grown-up daughters his return to Umuofia would attract considerable attention…The poor would not dare to come forth” (133). The only reason Okonkwo admires his daughters is because they are able to help him flourish. Since Okonkwo’s daughters are very beautiful, no poor family will come to ask for his daughter's’ hand. On the contrary, wealthy and respected families will come forth and propose offers. Finally, women are always there to make sure that the men in their families are staying healthy. When the Oracle ordered Ikemefuna to be killed, Okonkwo did not sleep at night nor did he eat for two days. However, Ezinma, Okonkwo’s daughter, brought him some food and encouraged him to finish the meal. Thus, the daughters of the village are always caring and act as nurses to insure that their father is doing well. In conclusion, the role of women in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is highly overlooked.
Throughout the novel it is clear that there is no success in the Igbo society without the women’s contributions. Even though women are always mistreated and held at a lower standard than men, they are the essential building blocks of the Igbo society and the success of the masculine figures. At first sight, the roles of women may seem unimportant due to the way men are described, however beneath that statement lies the important and vital roles completed by women in order for the Igbo communities to
flourish.