Masculinity in Things Fall Apart

 

     Achebe in Things Fall Apart introduces Igbo culture and society with his depiction of Umuofia. The reserved nature of Igbo society lays its foundation on religion and traditions. Mostly traditions and religion highlight men’s superiority over women however Igbo culture that promotes masculinity puts pressure on both genders. In this essay, I shall analyze how both genders are represented in Igbo society and I will argue that both genders suffer from the oppressive masculinity that restricts characters to express themselves in the form of ideas or emotions. 

      The masculinity in Umuofia suppresses women portraying them to be insignificant and impotent which emphasizes the superiority of men. Also, this depiction of women in Igbo society masks their value obstructing a healthy relationship between the two genders. Masculinity in Umuofia represents power. Okonkwo despises his father because he does not fit into the framework of power that requires him to be prosperous, strong, or wise. Emenyonu dwells on the connection between power and masculinity and proposes that “we have identified seven processes in Things Fall Apart from which individual man construct their identities: physical (coercive and ability); economic; knowledge; structure; nurturing; demeanor; and ideological” (p.52) Emenyonu’s contemplation on the construction of identity draws a correlation between power and masculinity and how it offers man control over things. On the other hand, women are portrayed to be the opposites of men. The word “agbala” means “woman; also used of a man who has taken no title”(p.211). This term is used in a variety of places to humiliate men and imply that they do not have power. “This meeting is for men. The man who had contradicted him had no titles. That was why he had called him a woman” (p.26). Okonkwo’s attempt to insult and narrative’s explanation unveil the subdued position of women in Umuofia which draws a contrast between women and men in Igbo society. This contrast shows us the patriarchal Igbo society’s depreciating approach to women. Also, this way of insulting alludes to the concept of comparison between genders. In other words, women and men are compared, and through that men’s superiority is emphasized. This indicates that in Igbo society women’s presence is used to enforce man’s empowerment. To further on this point, a man’s value can be determined by the number of women he is married to because it is a sign of how prosperous he is. However, it is also stated that “No matter how prosperous a man was if he was unable to rule his women and his children (and especially his women) he was not really a man” (p.53) This reveals that Igbo society perceives women as something to be controlled and suppressed namely, “rule”. A man’s masculinity depends on his competence to “rule” his wives. This inhumane approach to women hinders affection and communication between husband and wife. Okonkwo's confusion regarding Ozoemena and Ndulue’s affectionate relationship shows how abnormal such affectionate relationships in Igbo society. “It was always said that Ndulue and Ozoemena had one mind," said Obierika. "I remember when I was a young boy there was a song about them. He could not do anything without telling her." "I did not know that," said Okonkwo. "I thought he was a strong man in his youth." "He was indeed," said Ofoedu”(p.68). Here we see that Okonkwo regards affection to weakness. Nevertheless, later in the story an old man allows Okonkwo to look at feminity in a different perspective “But when there is sorrow and bitterness, he finds refuge in his motherland”(p.134). This perspective allows us to understand that man seeks comfort in women’s affection and it explains why Okonkwo never finds comfort unless his mind is busy. Ultimately, the oppressive masculinity in Umuofia obstructs both genders to find affection in each other harming and suppressing both genders. 

          The suppressing patriarchal structure of Igbo society restricts both men and women, enforcing conformity and obstructing characters to exhibit uncommon character traits. Ezinma is one of the characters that suffer from the restrictive nature of gender segregation in Igbo society. Ezinma is described to be a hardworking, smart woman who is prominently adored by Okonkwo. She asks her father if she can bring his chair to which she is rejected because “that is a boy’s job” (p.44) Here we see the oppressing impact of gender discrimination on characters. Ezinma cannot do something at which she is fully competent and willing to. Ezinma’s inability to do a “boy’s job” shows how patriarchal Igbo society restricts characters the freedom to beat their paths according to their desires Okonkwo realizes that Ezinma’s hardworking nature is going to be ignored/undervalued because of her gender. He complains, and wishes that “she should’ve been a boy” (p.64). Okonkwo's complaint reveals that diligence, leadership, and control are attributed to masculinity whereas feminity is attributed to foolishness, weakness, and submissiveness. This stereotyping harm both genders. Nwoye also suffers from the oppressive gender roles that require him to act masculine which he does not want to, “Nwoye knew that it was right to be masculine and to be violent, but somehow he still preferred the stories that his mother used to tell” (p.53). Nwoye’s and Ezinma’s inability to indulge in matters that they are fond of stem from the need for acceptance. “And so he feigned that he no longer cared for women’s stories. And When he did this he saw that his father was pleased, and no longer rebuked him or beat him”(p.54). Even though we get to see the character’s inner world through narration, it is eminent that Igbo society restricts its members to express their desires. Ultimately Igbo patriarchal society enforces such conformity and forces characters to conceal character traits that contradict the patriarchal Igbo society.

       Women play a significant role in teaching Igbo traditions and religion which are the main instruments to preserve the Igbo culture, however, women are undervalued because their stories do not include violence and bloodshed showing that masculinity 

 

 

“That was the kind of story that Nwoye loved. But he now knew

that they were for foolish women and children, and he knew that his

father wanted him to be a man. And so he feigned that he no longer

cared for women's stories” (p.54)

 

In these lines, we see that the stories are designed for “foolish women and children”. However, are important because they explain religious phenomenons and they offer answers to questions that are hard to have an answer for. the villager’s reaction when the colonizers ignore the superstitious belief about evil forest allows us to take a larger glimpse at how such stories and sayings occur. “It was said that he wore glasses on his eyes so that he could see and talk to evil spirits” (p.149) Superstitious beliefs allow people to design answers that are harmonious with Igbo culture and religion meaning they do not contradict African people’s values. The evil forest is believed to be a cursed place in which people die. However, the colonizers do not die which poses a threat to people’s beliefs. To eliminate such a threat a saying is proposed suggesting that the white men are associated with evil spirits “talk to evil spirits” granting them immunity against evil forest by associating them with evilness. Considering these it becomes evident that stories told by women carry utmost importance in answering questions and introducing children to Igbo culture/ religion. However, they are underappreciated and regarded as stories for “foolish women and children”. This approach to these stories shows us the unjust aspect of the patriarchal society that does not value anything defies masculinity which stems from bloodshed and violence

      In conclusion, the women in Igbo culture have the utmost importance in educating children which is one of the most important pillars of Igbo society. As we can see from Mr. Brown’s method to conquer Umuofia, education and storytelling are vital when it comes to shaping people’s ideas and identities. However, women’s importance is neglected due to the patriarchal structure of Igbo society’s one-dimensional understanding that values only masculinity. More importantly, the patriarchal Igbo society enforces conformity hindering characters to express themselves freely and hence harming both genders by restricting them.

 

Achebe, C. (2019). Things Fall Apart. Penguin Publishing Group.

Emenyo̲nu, E. (2004). Emerging perspectives on Chinua Achebe. Trenton NJ: Africa World Press.