Take home Quiz

Bride Price

    The young women in the tribe who marry have a great deal of family involvement. This aspect, early on, portrayed the brides to be women who had no contribution in price or suitor. Even prior to chapter twelve, I viewed the bride price of the young women as simply a way to commodify them. A particular instance was in the end of chapter eight where bride to be, Akueke, is examined by the suitor and his family while they met to settle a price. “Her suitor and his relatives surveyed her young body with expert eyes as if to assure themselves that she was beautiful and ripe” (Achebe 71). The feelings received when I read this passage were in tune with those of the western scholars, for the fact, that the young women were clearly commodified by looks and age, which directly determined their bride price.  As I continued to chapter twelve my thoughts on the bride price didn’t alter to the ideologies of the African scholars. Despite chapter twelve’s presentation of how rich and cultured the wedding ceremonies were; I still saw no evidence that would discredit the commodifcation of the brides. During the wine carrying ceremony Akueke’s father, Obierika, said “I hope our in-laws will bring many pots” (Achebe 116) and how “they ought to know that Akueke is the bride for a king” (Achebe 116). Those two quotes weren’t the problem because as a father giving away his daughter to be married you always want the best. The problem lied in Okonkwo’s comment, “they dare not bring fewer than thirty pots…I shall tell them my mind if they do” (Achebe 116). This comment gave conflict in possibly thinking that the women weren’t commodified in any way. This conversation continued for another page and a half about the amount of wine they should deem fair, which doesn’t dispute that a bride price in no way is purchasing a woman, whether it be cowries or pots of wine. 

Women’s Rights

    The situation of women is neither positive nor an equal one. One may go as far to say women are second class citizens, but I feel that could be taking their role in traditional Ibo culture too far. As it is clear that women are commodified in regards to bride price; there isn’t a clear absence of women’s rights and liberties. While throughout the story Okonkwo beats his wives with little consequence; the week of peace differs. Okonkwo committed an offense by beating his wife during this time for “going to plait her hair at her friend’s house and not returning early enough to cook the afternoon meal” (Achebe 29). What’s more is that the offence was not for beating his wife but for the fact he beat her during the time of peace. This only goes to say that the rights and liberties of the women are limited and offending a God is more punishable than abusing a woman. In chapter ten, the situation where the husband was severely abusing his wife proved that, despite how little the consequences were some action was still taken. This was clear by the verdict of the case when the council agreed that the husband should “go to his in-laws with a pot of wine and beg your wife to return to you” (Achebe 93) and for the family of the wife to “let your sister go with him” (Achebe 93) if he begs and brings the wine. The rights of the women in this culture are few and basic, but as mentioned earlier, even if those rights are violated the consequences aren’t as severe as the crime against the woman.

Marriage

    Polygamy in the Ibo culture seems not only normal but also praised. Having multiply wives proves you are successful and shows your prosperity by your household. Just as a man seeks to attain many titles, in the Ibo culture the men seek to have many wives. Having this cultural expectation for men to achieve many titles and become prosperous directly affects the women whom want to marry. The women (or family I should say) prefer men who are successful and possess many titles, which is why Okonkwo has three wives at a relatively young age. “Okonkwo, who risen so suddenly from great poverty and misfortune to be one of the lords of the clan” (Achebe 26) has the credentials that would make any father agree to give his daughter to marriage. There are many advantages of polygamy within the Ibo culture. The wives of the husbands are able to have many children between them. As entire family they all have roles and work together whether it’s preparing meals or harvesting for the new season. This is especially helpful for Okonkwo and the upkeep of his large compound. The advantages are immense and have created favorable interaction and relationships between the wives of Okonkwo. A particular example was during the time of peace where Ojiugo left to plait her hair. When Okonkwo had returned he was clearly upset and wondered if she prepared food for the children before he noticed they were eating with the children of his first wife. Okonkwo then continued to ask “did she ask you to feed them before she went?’’ (Achebe 29). She answered yes knowing it was a lie as she was only “trying to minimize Ojiugo’s thoughtlessness” (Achebe 29). This incident along with others not mentioned showed how close the wives were in supporting each other from the wrath of Okonkwo.