Things Fall Apart Patriarchy

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The novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe may represent a time far from the present, but it still describes issues that are seen today. One issue that is addressed in the book is the patriarchal mentality that both the characters and people today have. Another matter that is portrayed in the novel and modern day is the importance of reputation and maintaining a strong image. Towards the second half of the story, Achebe provides an insight on prejudice and racism which are issues still seen today. Societies then and societies now have an unwritten mentality that the man of the family should be the breadwinner as well as the one who makes most important decisions. The villages of the Igbo tribe and most cultures now see the male as the strongest and the female as someone who must serve him. A specific example from the story is the main character, Okonkwo, who is the only voice in control in his family of three wives and children. All of his wives cook for him and all of his offspring serves him. He is allowed to beat any of them if they do not follow what he says and he has. Now, such behavior is not tolerated in all societies but it is definitely not extinct. In fact, there is some form of dominance from the male in most societies. …show more content…

In Umuofia, where Okonkwo lived in the beginning and end of the story, all men worked to uphold a good reputation. For example, Okonkwo was driven by the desire to live way above the bad image his father brought to his lineage. Also, he wanted his son Nwoye to create a strong and independent image for himself, and became upset as he did not grow up such way. In present time, people’s rank in society’s caste system defines them. This is actually prominent in almost all societies. Those who are of higher rank and reputation are usually seen as more important than those of lower rank or

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