Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: Women's Roles in Okonkwo's Life

Things fall Apart
‘Things fall apart’ by Chinua Achebe was a unique novel that showcased the cultural history of pre-colonial Nigeria in the 1890s. The main character Okonkwo; was a hardworking and strict man whose pride and self-driven ambition eventually caused his demise. The climax of the novel dealt with Okonkwo’s fall from grace which created a chain reaction of unfortunate events. One of the most prominent themes in this novel was ‘love and family relationships’, which reflected the main character’s kinship with his wives and children.
In the beginning of the novel it appeared as though the roles of the women in Okonkwo’s life were quite insignificant; when in actuality the women played a major part in his life which was revealed as the story progressed. One of the leading roles of the women was to educate the children through storytelling. Their vivid and entertaining stories taught the children about the culture of their tribe and the different ancestral beliefs. The main character’s wives and daughters took up the traditional female role of doing the domestic work for the household. Each of Okonkwo’s wives which include Ekwefi, Ojiugo and his unnamed first wife were responsible for preparing Okonkwo’s meals. For every meal, all of his wives prepared separate foods for him which were served by his daughters in his obi. The women also tended to the children by ensuring their welfare and providing love and affection. While Okonkwo and his eldest son Nwoye farmed yam, which was considered a ‘man’s crop’, the women would plant crops such as coco-yams, beans and cassava. Women proved to be important assets in Okonkwo’s daily existence.
Okonkwo’s relationships with his wives were baffling and unusual when compared to what is socially acceptable in modern day society. Okonkwo was a very hot tempered man who ruled his household with an iron fist. He often mistreated his wives and made harsh comments towards them. Seemingly, Okonkwo’s general take on women was that they should respect and serve their men wholeheartedly. Women were generally seen as the weaker and more inferior gender, whereas the men were self-proclaimed leaders. Despite being labeled the weaker gender, there were women who were seen as important figures in the tribe.