Morality can be defined as actions that are distinguished as good or bad, or right and wrong. However, this definition may alter according to location. For instance, the moral standards and cultural norms between American and Nigerian communities differ greatly. Confined in societies with extreme sexism, many women suffer all over the world. They are expected to live up to expectations of loyalty and obedience, no matter the circumstances. In Molara Wood’s short story, “Kelemo’s Woman,” and Chika Unigwe’s short story, “Growing My Hair Again,” the protagonists are put into difficult situations that test their morals. Both narrators must abide by the rules and customs of the communities in which they are trapped. However, when their safety
…show more content…
With the fear of incarceration and dangerous punishment, Iriola is left alone at the campsite. She could hear, “the army man’s boots stamped dirty imprints on the floor,” as he approached Iriola at a vulnerable state (Wood 6). However, on this hunt for Kelemo, Iriola is presented with an escape route and a road to what she believes could be freedom. Due to the circumstances of her suffering earlier in her life, Iriola deems it necessary to change her fate. She listens to her mother when told, “Don’t be like me, slaving all my life to stand by men” (Wood 4). This once obedient, and confined individual, seeks safety in any way possible. As the soldiers threaten her life, she realizes, there is “no use in begging hyenas” (Wood 6). Instead, Iriola pursues freedom, by making an agreement with the opposing team. “I wanted to live safe and well,” Iriola reasons (Wood 7). She escapes from her own life, deciding it was time to care for herself, and to secure her safety. One might believe that Iriola acted upon her selfish desires; however, she operated out of survival instincts. As a loyal partner, who was put through extreme circumstances, she still wonders for her lover, stating, “I pray Kelemo survives” (Wood 9). This justifies that although she may seem ambiguous in her actions, she remains moral because of her previous circumstances and her possibility of danger. The survival of Kelemos remains on her mind, even after she seeks escape from his
With the fear of incarceration and dangerous punishment, Iriola is left alone at the campsite. She could hear, “the army man’s boots stamped dirty imprints on the floor,” as he approached Iriola at a vulnerable state (Wood 6). However, on this hunt for Kelemo, Iriola is presented with an escape route and a road to what she believes could be freedom. Due to the circumstances of her suffering earlier in her life, Iriola deems it necessary to change her fate. She listens to her mother when told, “Don’t be like me, slaving all my life to stand by men” (Wood 4). This once obedient, and confined individual, seeks safety in any way possible. As the soldiers threaten her life, she realizes, there is “no use in begging hyenas” (Wood 6). Instead, Iriola pursues freedom, by making an agreement with the opposing team. “I wanted to live safe and well,” Iriola reasons (Wood 7). She escapes from her own life, deciding it was time to care for herself, and to secure her safety. One might believe that Iriola acted upon her selfish desires; however, she operated out of survival instincts. As a loyal partner, who was put through extreme circumstances, she still wonders for her lover, stating, “I pray Kelemo survives” (Wood 9). This justifies that although she may seem ambiguous in her actions, she remains moral because of her previous circumstances and her possibility of danger. The survival of Kelemos remains on her mind, even after she seeks escape from his