Things Fall Apart Masculinity Essay

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In things fall apart the theme masculinity vs. femininity is strongly represented by the main character Okonkwo. Okonkwo is described as a powerful man in the beginning of the story. He is considered a very strong leader. His character reflects from of how his father was. His father was considered very feminine, because EJ he didn’t have the power and strength of the other men in the village. He was very soft towards his son, making Okonkwo wanting to be the opposite of his father. In the beginning of the novel Okonkwo can be seen as the spokesperson for masculinity and is superior to all women in the village. As the plot thickens, we can use foreshadowing to see his future downfall as well as losing his masculinity. Igbo society strongly believed that men were superior to women. Men had all of the roles in the community that required power and knowledge. Men were allowed to have numerous wives, but women could only have one husband and had to serve his needs, including helping fellow sister wives. Men could beat their wives and essentially treat them as objects and the women just had to deal with it. The first major conflict that creates the sense of the theme is when Okonkwo beats his wife during the Week of Peace. He is going against the beliefs of the Igbo …show more content…

This is considered a feminine crime because the act of killing was unintentional. As he creates more violence and rebels from the Igbo clan, he loses more and more of his masculinity. This crime sealed in his fate by exiling him for seven years. The others in the tribe hope he can learn a lesson and possibly leave the clan for good. Over his time being away from his home, there are many changes made in the Igbo society. When Okonkwo returns, he is ready to gain his reputation back as one of the strongest men of the society. He sees the white missionaries have essentially turned the whole village “feminine” in his

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