The Effect of Masculinity in Things Fall Apart Human rights activist Eve Ensler once said, “The tyranny of masculinity and the tyranny of patriarchy I think has been much more deadly to men than it has to women. It hasn’t killed our hearts. It’s killed men’s hearts. It’s silenced them; it’s cut them off.” Although the quote is from the 20th century America, Ensler’s idea is relevant in many societies throughout history. Men have typically believed that masculinity defines their power and acceptance into society, causing them to be silenced in their expression of opinions and feelings. In Things Fall Apart, author Chinua Achebe reveals this by illustrating the importance of masculinity in the Ibo tribe of Nigeria and the effect it has on the
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Storytelling is an important aspect in Ibo society, and there are many different types of stories. But when Nwoye enjoys hearing the more feminine stories, “he knew that his father wanted him to be a man. And so he found that he no longer cared for women’s stories” (54). Nwoye stops listening to women’s stories in order to be accepted by the expectations of his father and society, sacrificing his personality and joy. Once again, the pressure to appear masculine has caused members of the tribe to change to fit the ideal image of a tribe member. Although Nwoye has made attempts to live up to his father’s wishes, Okonkwo can see right through the act. This is apparent when Okonkwo confesses to Obierika about the issue, saying, “I have done my best to make Nwoye grow into a man, but there is too much of his mother in him” (66). The fact that Nwoye is not the ideal child causes Okonkwo to resent his existence as a part of the family and see him as a disappointment. The contrast between Okonkwo’s masculinity and his son’s femininity results in familial tensions and an unhealthy father-son relationship. Nwoye’s lack of masculinity results in him trying to change to fit society’s image for him, and him feeling isolated because he is not accepted for who he
Storytelling is an important aspect in Ibo society, and there are many different types of stories. But when Nwoye enjoys hearing the more feminine stories, “he knew that his father wanted him to be a man. And so he found that he no longer cared for women’s stories” (54). Nwoye stops listening to women’s stories in order to be accepted by the expectations of his father and society, sacrificing his personality and joy. Once again, the pressure to appear masculine has caused members of the tribe to change to fit the ideal image of a tribe member. Although Nwoye has made attempts to live up to his father’s wishes, Okonkwo can see right through the act. This is apparent when Okonkwo confesses to Obierika about the issue, saying, “I have done my best to make Nwoye grow into a man, but there is too much of his mother in him” (66). The fact that Nwoye is not the ideal child causes Okonkwo to resent his existence as a part of the family and see him as a disappointment. The contrast between Okonkwo’s masculinity and his son’s femininity results in familial tensions and an unhealthy father-son relationship. Nwoye’s lack of masculinity results in him trying to change to fit society’s image for him, and him feeling isolated because he is not accepted for who he