Our Wives: A Look at the Role Women Play in “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe

What startles me the most here is the role of women in this particular culture. Also, the way the justice system "dissolves" issues leaves me to ponder continuously, even about present day injustices. Okonkwo no doubt a dedicated father, seems to be trying too hard with his children by somewhat shaping them in his own image. To do this, he presents himself of strong masculine character. He disguises his real emotions behind this acceptable image of manly character in this village and thus jeopardizes essential relations with his family especially his sons. He displays this weakness following the killing of his son Ikemefuna where he does not eat or sleep well for some days. He later asks himself “when did you become a shivering old woman...you, who are known in all the nine villages for your valor in war? How can a man who has killed five men in battle fall to pieces because he has added a boy to their number? Okonkwo, you have become a woman indeed” (Chinua Achebe 65). The fact that he compares himself to a woman here, establishes how women are viewed in this small village. Women are belittled; they are beaten and are not included in meetings regarding matters of their Oracle. Their marriages are arranged and the only comfort they occasionally find is through bonding with each other. This is true for Okonkwo wives who console each other when one has been beaten. The justice system seems to value some acts over the others. For example, Okonkwo and his family exiles to neighboring villages after he accidentally shoots Ezeudu's son at his funeral. Following this, his home, farm and animals were all burnt as a way to rid all lingering evil forces he may have left behind. However, when he beats his wives even during peace week, he is not punished. This is to say that killing someone accidentally bears more weight than beating your wife. Again, the typical role of a woman is being questioned for it seems as though they are merely there to serve the purposes of procreating, and providing domestic work as well as happily coexisting in polygamous marriages.