Monday, November 24, 2014

What are some examples of how wife beating reflects the community's attitude toward women in Things Fall Apart?

In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo clearly
does not have respect for women. He beats his wives as he does his children. He treats
his wives as his children. He is violent and extremely
aggressive.


Truly, Okonkwo does not appreciate his wives as
he should. He does not see them as his equal. Women have no rights in Okonkwo's compound
and the community.


During the
Week of Peace, Okonkwo does not respect his wives. He beats his youngest wife because
she was having her hair done instead of cooking his meal. Clearly, his wives have no
freedoms. Okonkwo disrespects more than one of his
wives:


readability="11">

Okonkwo also has a dark and dangerous side, for
he controls his family through anger. In bouts of rage, he beats his youngest wife,
Ojiugo, for neglecting to cook dinner and braiding her hair instead during the Week of
Peace. He also takes a shot at Ekwefi with a rusty gun during the Yam
Festival.



The fact that
Okonkwo's tribe respects him is an indication that women can be treated with such
disrespect at any cost. Of course, the women do not have the value of that of a man in
Okonkwo's compound. Clearly, women are underprivileged. They do not have the worth as
that of a man. Sadly enough, Okonkwo's wives walk around in trepidation of Okonkwo. The
community supports Okonkwo in spite of his obvious
disrespect toward women. He is considered a great
leader:


readability="6">

Okonkwo stands out as a great leader of the Ibo
tribe. Tribesmen respect Okonkwo for his many
achievements.



Obviously, in
the community women can be treated with severity with no
dishonor to a man.

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