Power of Women in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart Essay

Power of Women in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart The novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a commanding account about the rise and fall of an African tribe. The powerful narrative depicts the life and customs of the people and how they change through the years. Theere are many different ideas and characters that are preseneted throughout the novel. The depiction of women is one aspect that is of extreme relevance. It can be shown through several passages in the novel that the women are actually the unseen power behind the mighty Umofian tribe. Throughout the novel, the protaganist, Okonkwo, tries to exhibit his power, wealth and independence. He feels that he must be the best in order to overcome the humiliating legacy†¦show more content†¦Another issue that deals with the gods is the Oracle. The Oracle is the most powerful god to the tribe and they all believe ultimately in his power. The Oracle has a priestess by the name o Chielo who is a widow in the tribe. It is interesting that althought he god is male, its mouthpiece, or the way in which it communicates to the trive, is throught the priestess who is a woman. It has been shown above how the woman as a religious figure has power over the trive. But there are other ways found thoughout the novel which illustrate women’s power. One such way is through the mother. A mother is of obvious importance to a child and to a community as a whole. The best illustration of this occurs during a talk Okonkwo is having with one of his uncles, Uchendu. Uchendu tells him: It’s true that a child belongs to its father. But when a father beats his child, it seeks sympathy in its mother’s hut. A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his motherland . Your mother is there ot protect you†¦that is why we say that mother is supreme. (Achebe 134) What is most important about this passage is the idea of refuge. The child, when reprimanded, finds comfort in the arms of its mother. The man, when convicted of certain crimes returns to his motherland and finds comfort from his relatives. This fully illustrates the power of aShow MoreRelatedEssay about Role of Women in Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe1453 Words   |  6 Pages The role of women in society has grown and changed tremendously with the development of the world. Within the American culture, women’s rights have expanded to the extent of being able to vote for who runs our country or even possibly being the person that does run our country. Although the American culture has somewhat promoted the growth of a woman’s role in society, does not mean women receive the same respect in other cultures around world. 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