The Power Of Women In Umuofia Free Essay Example, 750 words

The position and image of women in Things Fall Apart is an important topic. We could even say that women actually had great power and were revered. One might think that this novel presents women as a sadly oppressed group with no power, but there are several facts, which imply the contrary idea. For instance, women are the primary educators of children. Through storytelling and other forms of discourse, they educate and socialize the children, inspiring in them an intellectual curiosity about social values, relationships, and the human condition. The stories the women tell also develop the artistic consciousness of the children, in addition to entertaining them. The women bear children, cook and take care of the household in many other ways. Through their labor, they are an important pillar of the society. Another essential fact is the presence of Chielo, the priestess of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves. She is a spiritual leader, whose authority is unquestioned. , she is removed from the pale of normalcy. Clothed in the mystic mantle of the divinity she serves, Chielo transforms from the ordinary; she can reprimand Okonkwo and even scream curses at him: "Beware of exchanging words with Agbala [the name of the Oracle of the Hills and Caves]. We will write a custom essay sample on The Power Of Women In Umuofia or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page This was a separate sphere apart from male dominance. Women exerted police and judicial power over the marketplace.