Similarities Between Masculinity And Femininity In Things Fall Apart

In Things Fall Apart, there are great divides between masculinity and femininity. The entire tale is constructed on a theme of gender difference. Each gender is put into two different focuses by two different means, Okonkwo versus the community. Much of the community views masculinity and femininity as fluid interpretations. There is room for flexibility and situational change. However, Okonkwo views these divides very strongly and with extreme conviction. Okonkwo’s form of masculinity is represented and sets precedence through characters as rough, tough, mean, and aggressive. This reflection is based off the stress Okonkwo puts on it. The femininity perspective is a negative one to Okonkwo. He views it as weak, pathetic, and many behaviors can only be linked to femininity.

He was a very aggressive worker who obsessed over whether on not he was being manly. For example, Okonkwo breaks the week of peace when he beats his wife, Ojiugo. The act breaks no only a community custom and shows that he has little regard for policy. The text states that Okonkwo never shows any emotion openly, unless it is the emotion of anger (28). This is a representation of his internal battle with fear and aggression. He often lashes out at his family members, verbally and physically. Okonkwo tries to shape and influence his sons by telling them “masculine stories” of violence and bloodshed (53). This behavior of aggression, violence, and abuse is Okonkwo’s outlet for representing his manliness. He behaves this way as to not appear weak, or what he believes is