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What Are Gender Roles In Things Fall Apart

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There are several key themes discussed throughout Things Fall Apart, including gender roles, culture, tradition and the effects of imperialism. Gender roles are portrayed from very early on in the book. The Igbo society conformed to the stereotypical gender roles seen throughout the world, not only in Africa. Men were supposed to be strong and provide for their families while women were supposed to support their husbands, cook their meals and help in the fields. Okonkwo, the main character, idealizes manliness, taking it to the extremes. He associates manliness with extreme power, displaying aggression towards his wives and family in order to solidify his rule in his household. He hates the “weak”, expressing his disappointment in both his

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