Things Fall Apart Research Paper

Cultural Beliefss Different cultures throughout the world have different perspectives on socially acceptable standards. The Igbo culture includes gender roles that are quite uncommon in contrast to other cultures. For example, in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the belief that men are superior to women impacts the society by portraying the idea that men must have a title and a woman is inferior to a man. The belief that men are superior to women and children causes men to have complete control over their households. In Things Fall Apart a man’s superiority is portrayed when “His [Okonkwo’s] wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children” (Achebe 13). Okonkwo’s strictness in his household brings fear to his family. His harsh and masculine personality not only provides insight into his dominance in the household but also to his family and the rest of the clan. “Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand” (Achebe 13). He shows his superiorness by laying down rules and making sure his wives and children are at his beck and call. The man of …show more content…
A title’s importance is demonstrated when Okonkwo explains that “He still remembered how he had suffered when a playmate had told him that his father was agbala” (Achebe 13). Okonkwo demonstrates his embarrassment when his father is referred to as a man without a title. A title is an important characteristic of a man in the Igbo culture because it portrays masculinity and dominance. Okoye “was going to take the Idemili title, the third highest in the land” (Achebe 6). Being a male figure, a title is what gains respect from those around one. As Okoye gains a high title, he portrays his superiorness to his wives and children and is recognized as a true man by his neighbors. A title will not only bring a man respect, but it will also show acceptance into the