Comparing Things Fall Apart by Achebe and Nectar in a Sieve by Markandaya

¶ … Role of Women in African and Indian Society

Both Things Fall Apart and Nectar in a Sieve weave rather vivid imagery of the life of women in the traditional, patriarchal society of Africa and India during the colonial period. The vividness of the images of cultures where a great deal of importance was placed on women bearing sons and devoting their lives to the care of their families, leads the modern day reader to easily conclude that women in traditional African and Indian cultures were without any voice and far too oppressed. While there is ample evidence in both works to validate such a conclusion, there is a strong case to counter argue that women in both works are also shown as playing an important social role and depicted as possessing a great deal of strength of character. For one, women in African and Indian rural cultures seem to have contributed to both the domestic and economic well being of their families. Second, it is not as if the women in Achebe and Markandaya's works are seen to be completely devoid of any spunk, judging by the bravery and courage they demonstrate when sufficiently provoked into doing so. Third, and perhaps most important, both works highlight the fact that their traditional cultures did care for and respect their womenfolk.

The interpretation that women in Things Fall Apart are at the mercy of a male dominated, sexist society is largely due to the character of Okonkwo, its central protagonist. Right through the text, Okonkwo is heard to constantly compare all signs of weakness to femininity, a world view that also leads him into frequently asserting his masculinity with his multiple wives, family and community. Okonkwo's obsession with masculinity should not, however, be taken to represent the views of African culture, as a whole. True, the patriarchal and polygamous Umuofian culture seemingly relegated its women to the background, and looked down on men who were non-achievers as agbala, or woman. But the fact remains that its women played a productive role in its society by working in the fields, attending to all domestic duties, and educating the children about social values, relationships and life in general. As such, it is as important to take into account the contribution that African women made to their society, as perhaps it is to take note of the often blatantly sexist remarks made by male characters in the novel,

Similarly, the women in Nectar in a Sieve are also seen to work, side-by-side with their husbands in the fields, besides taking care of their homes and children: "...I was out all day with Nathan planting the paddy.... Corn had to be sown too.... My husband ploughed it...while I came behind, strewing the seed to either side...." (Markandaya, 28) Implied in Rukmani's narrative is the fact that Indian rural culture was designed to balance gender roles based on the demands of life. The tougher physical tasks were seen to by the men while the less taxing ones were left to the women. But the point is that women nevertheless were expected to do their share.

The second important point, which both Achebe and Markandaya make about the character of women in their novels, is that the softer, more accepting nature of the female should not be mistaken for weakness. This point comes through very clearly in Things Fall Apart in Achebe's depiction of Ekwefi's defiance when Chielo takes her daughter Ezinma away. Not only does Ekwefi defy the authority of her husband, society and religion, she conquers her own and the clan's fear of the dark as she pursues Chielo in the night: "Darkness held a vague terror for these people, even the bravest among them." (Achebe, 7) The strength and courage displayed by Ekwefi is paralleled in Rukmani's savage attack of a shadowy figure in her home who she perceives to be Kunthi, a threat to her family's welfare: "...coming stealthily by night to thieve from us what little we had...pinioning the arms savagely...beat it to the ground; fell on it with fury...." (Markandaya, 132)