The Role Of Gender In Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe

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The literary book “Things Fall Apart” is a well-written novel by Chinua Achebe about an ordinary Nigerian named Okonkwo and how the impact of European colonization in his village, significantly changed his life. Though this is the main idea, the novel also consists of many hidden messages which are shown through the interesting plot turns and literary devices. A theme that Achebe explores through the book is the role of men and women in the Igbo society, and he showcases how certain characters reached out of their gender stereotype. While Ezinma and Nwoye’s actions and mindsets make them different from other children of the same gender, Ekwefi’s interests and mentality set her apart from other women as well. Achebe proves through these characters that the roles of gender differentiation in the Igbo culture were antiquated and also impacted the lives of children by limiting the possibilities of their future. If Ezinma, had been a boy like her father had wished, she would have been given more opportunities to prove her intelligence and would have been known for more than just her beauty. Throughout the book, it is stated multiple …show more content…

The idea of having such separation of roles based on gender is thoroughly explained in the book and is a concept that several people do not know about. Through the characters, Achebe portrays how important respect in the Igbo society is, and how without it, there could be no meaning to one’s life. Ezinma, Ekwefi, and Nwoye are all characters who deserve this respect, but due to the stereotypes, stating that the people of their gender could only be a certain way, they did not receive it. The literary piece proves that there were many obstacles to the lives of the Africans on ideas that are entirely alien to many people, and how it is not correct to judge an entire group of people by a couple of misleading

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