What are some examples of woman beating in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe?

Answer 1

There are three women that play a major role in Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The first is Okonkwo's (the protagonist) second wife, Ekwefi. She has a history of children that die soon after birth. She cares very deeply for her only living child, a daughter, Ezinma. Ezinma is thought to be an ogbanje, or a devil child that continues to die and re-enter her mother's wound to be born again, but is proven to be a pleasant child. The third major woman is Chielo, the priestess to the village's ultimate god, who is a normal person by day and fearful priestess by night. Other minor women include Okonkwo's first wife who is never addressed by name except as Nwoye's mother, and his third wife, Ojiugo.

Answer 2

In "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, the protagonist Okonkwo beats his third wife, Ojiugo, during the Week of Peace for neglecting her chores to have her hair braided. Additionally, Okonkwo's harsh treatment of his wives, especially his youngest wife, Ekwefi, is depicted throughout the novel as a reflection of his violent and domineering nature. These instances highlight the troubling gender dynamics and patriarchal norms within Igbo society.

Answer 3

• Okonkwo beats Ekwefi for taking leaves off the Banana tree, (but really to disperse his suppressed anger).
• Okonkwo later beats Ojuigo for her irresponsibility as she goes to plait her hair but neglects to feed Okonkwo and her children.
• Okonkwo threatens to beat Ekwefi for letting Ezinma eat eggs.
• Okonkwo threatens to beat Ezinma if she has misled people about her iyi-uwa.
• Later during a council of egwugwu, Uzowulu is found to have repeatedly beat his wife, Mgbafo, even when she was pregnant causing a miscarriage.
• Christian women are whipped heavily when they are being ostracized by the clan for their offense.
• Female prisoners are beaten by their wardens.