Compare and contrast the roles of men and women in igbo society as described in achebe’s things fall apart?

In Umuofian society, there are certain tasks designated to women that men simply don't do. One of these is dinner. Women are expected to provide dinner for their husbands and children, usually at a certain time. When a man has multiple wives, each of them brings him part of his meal and provides dinner for her own children. When this expectation is not fulfilled, it creates tension in the novel.  We see an example of this with Okonkwo's youngest wife, Ojiugo. She goes to a neighbor's hut to get her hair plaited and does not come back in time for dinner. One of the other wives has to feed Ojiugo's children without being asked, and Okonkwo notices her absence when he waits for his dinner and she does not show. Okonkwo is so angry when Ojiugo returns that he beats her even though it is the Week of Peace, when any fighting or punishment is forbidden. As a result, he has to make sacrifices and offerings to the Earth Goddess, whom he offended by breaking the sacred peace. Here is a clear example of tension caused when a gender role isn't filled as expected.

The men also have set roles in everyday life. They are in charge of village laws, making sure rules are followed and determining appropriate punishment. The exception is when punishment is ordered by the Earth God. His commands come through his Oracle, Chielo, who is a woman.  Men are expected to be protectors and providers. If there is war or conflict, they're expected to fight. They are also expected to provide for their families. If a man's farm fails, and he can't provide for his family or must borrow from neighbors, he is seen as less than a man. This brings tension in the novel between Okonkwo and his father. His father is in debt and is a notorious coward, which makes Okonkwo, a very manly man who strictly adheres to gender roles, angry and frustrated.

- "the die is cast; i have consented to return if we are not destroyed. thus are my hopes blasted by cowardice and indecision; i come back ignorant and disappointed. it requires more philosophy than i possess to bear this injustice with patience. i have lost my hopes of utility and glory; i have lost my friend."

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